PARIS — The Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius — Communiter,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger — Together.” That doesn’t just apply to the athletes competing in the Games; it’s an aspiration for the Olympics’ hosts as well. It’s not enough to provide venues for the Olympics; a host nation has to put on a world-class performance, too, starting with the biennial extravaganza that is the Opening Ceremony.
Throughout the Olympics’ history, opening ceremonies set the tone and tenor of the Games, combining lavish spectacle with national character to create instantly memorable (and, in the social media era, meme-worthy) moments.