Why Do Users Say That The Olympics Opening Ceremony Was the Worst Opening Ceremony In History?

The 2024 Summer Olympics opened in Paris with great fanfare and high expectations. Yet, viewers quickly took to social media to voice their discontent, dubbing it the “worst opening ceremony in history.” Christianity and a mix of artistic choices lie behind the widespread criticism and controversy.Advertisement

The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, are currently ongoing in Paris, France. This global event, running from July 26 to August 11, marks the third time Paris hosts the Summer Olympics, with previous games held in 1900 and 1924.

The highly anticipated event opened up in Paris in spectacular style with thousands of athletes flocking to the opening ceremony. Despite the high expectations, the opening ceremony received widespread criticism from viewers and critics alike.

Lights illuminate the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

The president of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Tony Estanguet, spoke out before the event took place. Estanguet, a former Olympic canoeist said he was looking forward to linking sports, emotion, spectacle, water, and ecology as they hold a special meaning to him.

Tony Estanguet attends the red carpet ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

He was working with Thomas Jolly, who directed the program. Jolly was determined not to disturb the natural habitat of the Seines aquatic life. The Seine is Pariss main water artery, which substituted the customary tracks present in previous Olympic Summer Games.

Thomas Jolly, poses sitting on a wall near the Seine River with the Eiffel tower in the background, in Paris, France, on July 2, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Jollys plans and the gigantic project excited him but he admitted that he was worried about so many things. Nevertheless, he was determined to do things steadily and give a remarkable opening ceremony.

The Olympic flag is rasied at the Place du Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the organizers best intentions and hard work, some people took to social media to express their disappointment and call the event the worst opening ceremony in history. This discontentment came even after the event was deemed to be historic.

Spectators look on along the River Seine prior to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

This was the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games that the opening ceremony was not done inside a stadium. Unlike previous ones where athletes matched out along the athletics track, viewers and guests watched a colorful parade walk through the heart of the French capital.

Lebron James waves the American flag while cruising on the River Seine during the athletes’ parade during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

An estimated 100 boats were used to carry approximately 10,500 athletes along the Seine. This outdoor concept also made the 2024 opening ceremony the largest due to the high number of attendants and its geographical coverage.

A boats carries members of a delegation along the Seine river during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

In this new concept, each boat held delegations for each nation. The boats were equipped with cameras to ensure online viewers could see the athletes up close.

The athletes made their way from the east to the west of Seine, through the center of Paris. The parade concluded its 6-kilometer route in front of the Trocadéro, where the final elements of the Olympic protocol and concluding shows occurred.

Boats travel down the seine during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

As per the ceremonys choreographer, Maud Le Pladec, every bridge on the parade route had dancers on it. She led the 400 dancers out of 3000 artists who took part in the opening ceremony and would also be present for the closing one.

The illuminated Eiffel Tower with the Olympic rings is reflected in a puddle at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Afterward, athletes, spectators, and TV viewers enjoyed a spectacular show, highlighted by performances from Lady Gaga, Aya Nakamura, and Céline Dion.

Dions first performance since her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome captivated many. Her return to the stage was highly anticipated worldwide, and it did not disappoint.

Celine Dion sings at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, in Paris, France, on July 26 2024. | Source: Getty Images

When she appeared on the Eiffel Tower balcony to conclude the extraordinary evening, the crowds along the Seine and at the Trocadéro erupted in applause. The singers rendition of “LHymne à lamour,” a tribute to Edith Piafs iconic song, captivated all of Paris.

Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

As the rain poured down, Celine Dions voice rose above the steady drumming of the raindrops. The downpour created a dramatic backdrop, adding an ethereal quality to her performance.

This powerful performance honored the timeless classic. It also celebrated the illustrious careers of two legendary singers and paid homage to Paris, and the beauty France represents.

Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

In this breathtaking, emotion-charged finale, Dion concluded the remarkable opening ceremony, creating a moment for the world to cherish. She sparked online talks with people commending her extraordinary vocals and how far she has come.

Celine Dion performing on the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the wet conditions, other artists also sang with unwavering passion and emotion. They connected and engaged with the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere that transcended the rain.

Musicians from the French National Orchestra shelter from the rain during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Trocadero in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

The heavy rain might have required athletes to include rain ponchos and umbrellas in their outfits. However, it didnt lessen the vibrant celebration of French history, art, and sport as they paraded on boats.

Peolpe sit on a tribune at Trocadero with heavy rain bevor the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Numerous people showcased their resilience and enthusiasm, as they gathered to celebrate the start of the games despite the inclement weather. Dignitaries and delegates donned ponchos to shelter from the rain during the opening ceremony of the Paris Summer Olympics.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Jacques of Monaco, Princess Gabriela of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Sergei Bubka react during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Meanwhile, other attendees braced the cold, sitting on the tarmac roads with umbrellas, dressed warmly to combat the wet and chilly conditions.

Parisians and tourists watch the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on a quay of the Seine River in the rain in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

As much as the organizers of the event felt confident that the day would end well even with the rain, online users were not impressed by the opening ceremony.

“Honestly, this is the worst #OlympicGames #OpeningCeremony since I can remember. Seriously, what on Earth is this?! ,” a user lamented.

Boats carrying members of delegations sail along the Seine during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Another user criticized the organization, “This is quite possibly the worst #OpeningCeremony of modern times. Why are none of the cameras covered from the rain. If it isnt blurry, the angles are terrible. Boring, cheap looking and disjointed.”

A user pointed out how the event had put France to shame. “Im actually embarrassed on the behalf of France, this is going down as the worst opening ceremony in history,” wrote the user.

Spectators wearing ponchos to shelter from the rain watch on during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

A user who didnt find the event as historic as it was dubbed, noted, “No disrespect to the french but this is the worst opening ceremony Ive seen so far at an Olympics.” Another online user agreed by simply writing, “The worst opening ceremony ever.”

Lady Gaga performs at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics, in France, Paris, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Other users also criticized the out-of-stadium concept, saying, “Im sorry but this has to be the worst Olympic opening ceremony in memory. Its an interesting idea bringing the athletes in on boats but it looks rubbish and misses the roar of the crowd. Sorry but not for me.”

Athletes from Turkiye delegation sail in a boat along the River Seine as rain starts at the start of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

A user commented that, due to the severe weather, significant portions of the Olympic Opening ceremony used rehearsal footage. Still, they questioned, “Why was the sound mixing so terrible? They could have tuned that perfectly for TV… it was old footage. But didnt.”

Athletes from Refugee Olympic Team delegation sail in a boat along the river Seine as rain starts at the start of the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Another individual blamed the bad experience on sound, “Most boring #OpeningCeremony Ive ever seen for any Olympic ceremony. The light show almost made up for it but the sound quality from @BBCOne was atrocious. I keep thinking Get on with it!”

Dancers performing French Cancan choreography are pictured from the boat of Brazils delegation sailing along the River Seine during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

A person concurred with this view, “The sound was atrocious as there was a relentless track of pelting rain throughout much of it & the best I can say about it was it was over ambitious.”

Aya Nakamura (C) and dancers perfom on the Pont des Arts footbridge during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, on July 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Christians also shared their views on the opening ceremony, pointing out that it mocked the Christian faith. The ceremony featured drag queens in a scene where a notably rotund woman with a halo crown posed at a table as if parodying the iconic image of the Last Supper.