Global views on Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony: Video

The highly-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony piqued the interest of people from all over the world.

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Paris 2024 Olympics - Opening Ceremony - Paris, France - July 26, 2024. General view of the Olympic rings and the Eiffel Tower during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski

The highly-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony piqued the interest of people from all over the world.

Hosted on Paris’ River Seine, the ceremony was a display of culture, innovation, and athletic spirit, with hundreds of in-person attendees watching from the banks.

However, the event was rife with controversy as it did not only captivate a section of the audience, it also sparked a range of  criticisms.

Opinions were heavily divided over whether the ceremonies were a success or not, especially after a performance that some believe mocked ‘The Last Supper’, a ceremony Christians find sacred.

The Catholic Church of France condemned the event, stating on its X account that “Unfortunately, this ceremony contained scenes that mocked Christianity, which we deeply regret.”

Other religious sect including the Egypt’s Al-Azhar, the highest seat of Sunni Muslim learning, were reported to have condemned the “insulting scenes” of Jesus Christ during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.

However, the stunning performances that highlighted France’s rich history and culture enthralled the other section of the audience who enjoyed the event, describing it as “a party at the centre of the universe”.

Holographic displays and drone light shows were among the cutting-edge technologies used, which left spectators in awe. The artistic segments, highlighting the contributions of French art, music, and literature, were also well-received.

See some of the reactions compiled by Qonversations below:

 

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