Paris Olympics 2024: Scenes from the Opening Ceremony (22 images)

By Wade Sheridan

The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was launched along the River Seine on Friday, as athletes paraded aboard dozens of vessels. The 2024 Olympic Games, which runs through August 11, will feature more than 10,000 competitors from 206 countries.

A hot air balloon carrying the Olympic flame rises into the air during the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on, July 26, 2024. More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries will compete in the Summer Olympics, which run through August 11. Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

A laser light show beams from the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---

The Olympic flag arrives on horseback at the Opening Ceremony. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

The Olympic flag is raised during the Opening Ceremony. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI

License photo | Permalink

---

---