Paris prepares for a spectacular, first-of-its-kind Opening Ceremony in the heart of the city WPXI [Video]

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 biannual 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. In recent years, opening ceremonies have served up awe-inspiring demonstrations of collective national willpower (China’s massive, thousands-strong 2008 performances), cheeky gags (James Bond and Queen Elizabeth skydiving at London 2012), cringe-inducing production mistakes (2014 Sochi’s unlit Olympic ring), misfired attempts at populism (Vancouver 2010’s torch relay featuring Wayne Gretzky in the back of a pickup truck), shocking and heartbreaking tugs of nostalgia …