Business News

The Rio Olympics opening ceremonies, in spectacular photos

Color portrait at the back of the stage.
Color portrait at the back of the stage.
Image: Reuters/Brian Snyder
By
Johnny Simon
We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Brazil emphasized its identity as a diverse mosaic in its opening ceremony for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The ceremonies offered a colorful look at the music and culture of the host country with numerous dance numbers, an appearance of Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, and the big reveal of the identity of the Olympic torch carrier: Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei De Lima. It also acknowledged more serious topics, like the country’s long history of slavery and the imminent threat of climate change.

Here are some of the images that defined the night:

Former Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten arrives with the Olympic flame.
Former Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten arrives with the Olympic flame.
Image: AP/Jae C. Hong)
The Olympic cauldron is lit.
The Olympic cauldron is lit.
Image: Reuters/Reinhard Krause
Brazilian fans celebrate.
Brazilian fans celebrate.
Image: Reuters/Damir Sagolj
The arrival of athletes from Brazil.
The arrival of athletes from Brazil.
Image: Reuters/Damir Sagolj
Colored portraits at the back of the stage.
Colored portraits at the back of the stage.
Image: Reuters/Brian Snyder
Performers take part in the opening ceremonies.
Performers take part in the opening ceremonies.
Image: Reuters/Ivan Alvarado
A dancer who appeared throughout the night.
A dancer who appeared throughout the night.
Image: Reuters/Mike Blake
Dancers in vibrant colors.
Dancers in vibrant colors.
Image: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach
A dancer performs solo.
A dancer performs solo.
Image: Reuters/David Gray
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
Image: Reuters/Mike Blake
Performers set against a stunning backdrop.
Performers set against a stunning backdrop.
Image: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton
A dance that referenced Brazil’s history of slavery.
A dance that referenced Brazil’s history of slavery.
Image: Reuters/Ivan Alvarado
Fireworks over the Maracana stadium.
Fireworks over the Maracana stadium.
Fireworks light up the sky.
Fireworks light up the sky.
Image: Reuters/Pawel Kopczynski