The Paris Olympics' opening ceremony made history by taking place along the River Seine, merging French culture with sports in a grand spectacle despite heavy rain. The ceremony featured thematic chapters such as fraternity and solidarity, and included performances from celebrities like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion, who performed from the Eiffel Tower. A masked torchbearer added a unique element, navigating Paris in a mix of live and pre-recorded segments, which caused some continuity issues noticed by viewers. Memorable moments included a fruit-themed Dionysus performance and a flaming piano rendition of 'Imagine'. The ceremony also included controversial and unexpected elements, such as a ménage à trois scene that left some viewers in shock. Despite the weather challenges, the event aimed to promote unity and peace amidst a backdrop of global conflict.