By Lorraine Lambert Delalbre
Amid the shimmering backdrop of the Seine and Paris’s iconic landmarks, the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony was more than just a display of sporting excellence—it was a carefully staged expression of French national identity. Beneath the celebration of France’s cultural legacy and revolutionary values, however, the ceremony unveiled tensions between the country’s self-image and the complex realities of its evolving social fabric. In presenting a polished image of unity and heritage, the spectacle masked deeper questions about what it truly means to be French in the 21st century.
For four years, France meticulously prepared for its role as host of the 2024 Olympic Games, with the organization of the opening ceremony being one of the most highly anticipated moments. Traditionally, such ceremonies are held in a stadium, but France opted for a novel approach by staging it along the Seine River. This bold choice was intended to highlight France’s rich historical and cultural heritage, while embodying the nation’s values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The latter, interestingly, was represented in a tableau as “sorority,” emphasizing inclusivity and gender equality. The Seine as the central stage symbolized
France’s connection to its historical heart, with iconic Parisian landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower acting as both architectural wonders and symbols of France’s enduring intellectual and artistic legacy.
This cultural richness was further amplified by the inclusion of classical music, French literature, and artistic performances that emphasized France’s role as a cultural powerhouse. However, beyond highlighting what perhaps France’s more traditional strengths, the ceremony’s blended it with modern elements reflecting a nation proud of its heritage but also striving to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. For example, the procession of athletes down the Seine was intended to symbolize France’s openness to the world and its ambition to be both a national and global leader in diplomacy and culture.
Furthermore, one of the most symbolic moments of unity came with the passing of the Olympic flame. Zinedine Zidane, one of France’s most beloved athletes, passed the flame to global sports icons such as Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. This was meant to emphasize the Olympic values of peace and unity, but the ceremony’s broader representation of French identity still sparked controversy.
For instance, Aya Nakamura, a French-Malian singer, performed a rendition of Charles Aznavour’s For Me… Formidable alongside the Garde Républicaine. This collaboration was intended to showcase France’s multiculturalism, but Nakamura became the target of racist critiques. Some argued that her inclusion and use of slang in her own music degraded the French language. For purists, seeing the Garde Républicaine—a symbol of French honour and tradition—alongside an artist perceived as disruptive was a clash of values, raising questions about what kind of diversity is truly embraced in France.
Another controversial moment came with a tableau vivant depicting Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and pleasure, lounging naked and covered in blue paint. This performance, which included a fashion show, was criticized by figures like Marion Maréchal and Eric Zemmour as a mockery of Christian iconography, particularly Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. For conservative critics, this tableau represented the “decadence” of modern French society, reflecting what they see as a departure from traditional Catholic values and an erosion of national identity.
In the end, these tensions underscore a broader debate in France about what it means to be French in a time of demographic change and increasing multiculturalism. The far-right used the ceremony as an example of how French culture is being diluted, arguing that France needs to reclaim its traditional identity before it’s too late. For them, the ceremony was a symptom of a nation at odds
with itself, caught between its revolutionary ideals and the demands of a diverse, modern society.
However, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony aimed to project a cohesive national narrative and despite the criticisms, a significant portion of the audience and commentators praised the ceremony for its bold modernity and inclusiveness. Many saw it as a refreshing departure from traditional Olympic spectacles, and as a reminder that France remains a beacon of culture, innovation, and diversity in the global stage, demonstrating its ability to adapt while honoring its roots.
The tension between tradition and modernity, between inclusivity and exclusivity, was on full display, leaving many to question whether the France that was celebrated on the banks of the Seine truly reflects the country as it is today—or the country that some wish it could remain. In a nation that values liberty, equality, and fraternity, the performance of identity may reveal as much about the stories left untold as those that are put on display.
Identity Hunters 