The Olympic opening ceremony is a moment for the host country to captivate the world with a spectacular show. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games did just that, breaking away from tradition by holding the opening event throughout the city rather than in a stadium.

On a wet evening, thousands of athletes and performers paraded along the River Seine, culminating in a dramatic display as the night sky and the Eiffel Tower were illuminated in vivid technicolor. This ambitious and one-of-a-kind spectacle set the stage for an unforgettable Games.

Here are some of the most eye-catching photos from the night.