The flame-free Olympic balloon, which was a prominent feature of last summer’s Games in Paris, will make its return to the French capital annually until the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, as announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.
“It will return every summer… until the Los Angeles Games,” Macron stated on X, accompanied by a photo of the balloon ascending into the Parisian night sky during the memorable 2024 summer Olympics.
Macron indicated that the balloon would be reinstated in its previous location in the Tuileries gardens near the Louvre museum, coinciding with an annual music festival on June 21 and a new sports festival that the president aims to establish each year on September 14.
Throughout the Games, the balloon ascended each evening, weather permitting, becoming a new emblem for Paris. French sports legends, judo champion Teddy Riner and runner Marie-Jose Perec, ignited the cauldron during the opening ceremony, producing a flame of mist illuminated by LED lights, which organizers hailed as an eco-friendly alternative.
The helium balloon would elevate the cauldron 30 meters (98 feet) into the air during its flights, captivating thousands of spectators each night, and its absence was keenly felt after the conclusion of the Games.
The concept paid homage to the hot air balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers, who were pioneering figures in French aviation during the 18th century. This balloon was launched in 1783 from the Tuileries gardens.
Amidst a year marked by political turmoil and economic challenges, the Olympics provided a significant uplift to France and Paris. Residents and tourists alike continue to cherish the memories of two weeks filled with outstanding athletic performances during the Olympics, which were later complemented by a well-received Paralympics.
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