The arrival of the Olympic flame in Marseille this Wednesday aboard the Belem marks the start of four months of celebrations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, starting with the torch relay which will meet the public in more than 450 cities. On the program of festivities of this Marseille prologuea drone show, an impressive maritime parade, entertainment all day around the Old Port, shows, concerts and a Patrouille de France show.
A drone show the evening before
After a first show around Olympic disciplines on April 26day of the handover of the flame between the Hellenic committee and Paris 2024, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis organizes a new drone show this Tuesday, May 7, from 9:30 p.m. on the J4 esplanade, near the Mucem. This time, the program will offer a dreamlike story of the crossing of the Belem and its arrival on the Marseille coast.
The arrival of Belem and the maritime parade
This Wednesday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Belem will parade in the north and south harbors of Marseille, accompanied by 1024 boats of all sizes, from pointy to old rigging. Workshops are organized along the coast to celebrate the arrival of the ship carrying the Olympic flame: Provençal jousting workshops, parade of Marseille boats, involvement of local rowing, kayaking and canoeing clubs, escort of traditional sails or light sails by children and tomorrow’s nautical champions.
Much heavier, the CMA CGM container ship Greenland will also sail in the Marseille harbor all day until the arrival of the Belem and will participate in the great nautical parade around the magnificent three-masted vessel, unveiling for the occasion on its 15,000 containers, the Paris 2024 logo.
City of Marseille
All day long, giant screens installed in the Old Port, pedestrianized for the occasion, will allow you to follow all the festivities. Free sporting and cultural events for all are planned, as well as demonstrations. Consult the complete program.
Humor and breaking in the Old Port
From 5 p.m., the public is invited to gather around the central stage installed in the Old Port to welcome Belem and the flame. While waiting for the ship to arrive, spectators will be able to enjoy performances by artists from Marseille: comedians Lison Daniel and Moustazouas well as the breaking troupe Original Rockerz Crew.
La Patrouille de France and “La Marseillaise” a cappella
While the Belem will enter the Old Port, a show in three scenes from the Patrouille de Francewill light up the Marseille sky under the blue, white and red roundel from 7:10 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.
At 7:20 p.m., the Marseille tenor Naestrowho became known with the cover of the title “Bella Ciao” in collaboration with Maitre Gims, Vitaa, Slimane and Dadju, will perform “La Marseillaise” a cappella,
The musical theme of the Paris Olympics revealed
At 7:30 p.m., as a prelude to the flame welcoming ceremony, the official musical theme of the Games will be played live by the Marseille orchestra from the Palais du Pharo. A true original soundtrack for Paris 2024, its melody will accompany the highlights of the Olympic Games throughout the relay, up to the celebration and competition sites.
The flame welcoming ceremony
At 7:45 p.m., after the Belem docked at the floating scene in the shape of an athletics track, Florent Manaudoufirst bearer of the flame on French territory, will bring the Belem flame to French soil.
The Soprano and Alonzo concert
Soprano, favorite personality of 7-14 year olds, and Alonzo, both from Marseille and former members of the rap group Psy 4 de la Rimewill share the stage of the Old Port, for a big free concert. Some 45,000 people are expected for this final, memorable moment of the prologue.
The next day, the torch relay will be launchedwith the first routes in the streets of Marseille and new events in the city.
Also read about the Olympic flame in Marseille
