Advertisement

  1. National

Spectacular opening ceremony kicks off 2016 Rio Olympics

The 2016 summer Olympic Games have officially begun.

The spectacular four-hour-long opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium was a celebration of Brazil's diversity set against a backdrop of samba, bossa nova and funk.

A smiling Andy Murray led Team GB in the athletes parade, while the Olympic cauldron was lit by Brazilian runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima.

View all 22 updates ›

Rio opening ceremony offers serious message

The ceremony included a sombre warning on climate change Credit: Reuters

Amid the music and celebration, Brazil's opening ceremony has also included a sombre warning on climate change.

The serious segment began by examining the concentration of carbon dioxide on the planet.

It included the voice of British actress Judi Dench, who read an English translation of Carlos Drummond de Andrade’s poem, 'A Flor e a Náusea'.

More on this story