Serious and Fun Before the Opening Ceremony

The scene outside Maracanã stadium for the Opening Ceremony was a mix of fun and a reminder that high-profile events such as this require an extraordinary amount of security. Outside the stadium, Brazilian military were guarding every highway overpass for several miles out, and troops could be seen doing a different kind of Opening Ceremony march around the concourses. Nonetheless, in and around the stadium, spectators are in the Olympic spirit. A set of rings outside the main entrance was naturally a popular spot for people to take pictures. And all around the stadium, it was hard to look up without seeing someone take a selfie. Organizers have promised a “low-tech” production this evening, so it will be interesting to see how that matches with other more elaborate ceremonies of the past.