Paris Passes the Torch: A Spectacular Closing Ceremony for the 2024 Olympics
After two weeks of electrifying competition and camaraderie, the 2024 Paris Olympics culminated in a dazzling closing ceremony at the Stade de France. Following an unprecedented and daring opening ceremony on the River Seine, which drew both praise and criticism, the closing ceremony promised a grand finale – and it delivered.
Director Thomas Jolly envisioned a celebration of our shared humanity, a sentiment that resonated throughout the Games. The ceremony commenced with the athletes’ parade into the stadium, their journeys culminating in a joyous shared experience. A captivating 40-minute performance conceived by Jolly followed, culminating in a rousing musical spectacle featuring French electronic music duo Air and indie pop band Phoenix.
Speeches and the symbolic passing of the torch to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Games, marked a poignant transition. A specially composed anthem, weaving together French and American musical motifs, underscored the continuity of the Olympic spirit. The ceremony concluded with a touching finale, leaving spectators with a sense of wonder and anticipation for the future.
At the heart of the performance lay “The Standard Numbers,” an operatic piece interweaving the past and future of the Olympic Games. Jolly, drawing inspiration from his background in theater and opera, utilized the stadium’s vast stage to create a visually stunning spectacle.
Writer Damien Gabriac described the narrative as a journey of a celestial traveler who stumbles upon remnants of past Olympic Games and breathes life back into them, echoing Pierre de Coubertin’s vision of reviving the ancient Olympic spirit in the late 19th century.
French breakdancer Arthur Cadre embodied this “Golden Traveler,” adorned in luminous, golden attire designed by rising Swiss talent Kevin Germanier. Over a hundred acrobats, dancers, circus performers, and even firefighters transformed the stadium into a vibrant performance space, utilizing a 2,800 square meter stage.
Adding an element of breathtaking daring, some performances took place high above the ground, at times without safety nets, as revealed by set designer Kevin Vivas. Germanier, committed to sustainability, crafted the costumes primarily from recycled materials, with the exception of the star performers’ outfits, designed by Dior. The Fontainebleau Children’s Choir joined the Divertimento Symphony Orchestra, creating a rich and moving soundscape.
Jolly emphasized that the creative vision for the ceremony remained uncompromised, a testament to the collaborative spirit of the event. Thierry Reboul, the ceremony’s director, highlighted the distinct roles of the opening and closing ceremonies: while the opening showcased the host country’s spirit and imagination, the closing served as a poignant reminder of the enduring values of the Olympics – participation, global unity, and a recognition of the world’s fragility.
As the Olympic flame was extinguished and the cauldron dimmed, it marked not an end, but a pause, a breath before the next chapter of this extraordinary global event unfolds. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered not only for the athletic achievements but also for the artistry, innovation, and profound message of unity that illuminated the closing ceremony.
