Six kilometers, 85 boats: the first international river parade
Lady Gaga appeared from behind a line of fans in cabaret attire and pink feather headdresses, setting the tone for the evening to come.
“Bonsoir! Welcome to Paris,” the singer-songwriter yelled after singing the famous French revue song “Mon truc en plume” to kick off the unforgettable celebrations. And the athletes were ready to answer the call.
Starting from the Pont d’Austerlitz, the International Parade convoy began its six-kilometre journey west along the Seine, passing under bridges and world-famous landmarks such as Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Grand Palais, before arriving at the Trocadero, opposite the Eiffel Tower.
Among these landmarks are some of the venues where athletes will compete over the next 16 days and, for some, the stage for their greatest triumphs.
But at the moment, competition wasn’t at the forefront of their minds. Unity was the mood of the night as athletes from different countries celebrated on the same boat. Athletes from Canada and the People’s Republic of China melded together in a sea of red on the same deck, while athletes from Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique and Myanmar came together on one ship, across the distance of three continents.
Surfers, dressed in ceremonial costumes and carrying traditional wooden surfboards, also joined the celebrations via video link from Tahiti.
“Dear athletes, we can’t wait to experience it all with you. The joy, the tears and the love you pour into every moment. Thank you for being here. You did it! Bravo! We know what it means, what it took, the path you all took to get here. Paris gives back to you. This is the city of love… and for the next 16 days, Paris is your city,” said triple Olympic champion and President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee Tony Estanguet. “Welcome home. Welcome to Paris. Welcome to a moment that will go down in history. Experience it. Love it and take us with you! The world is on your side.”
