In pictures: Opening ceremony of Rio 2016 Olympic Games
- Published
The Maracana stadium was lit up by fireworks as the ceremony got under way
Indigenous Brazilians and dancers representing the Portuguese colonisers acted out scenes from the country's history
Brazil's history of slavery was portrayed by dancers
Blocks appeared representing the growth of Brazil's great cities
A riotous display of colour followed as performers portrayed Brazil's rich and varied cultural and musical traditions
Colourful costumes referenced Rio's carnival tradition
The giant chicken's role in proceedings was unclear
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmered out on stage to the sound of The Girl from Ipanema - "Tall and tan and young and lovely"
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray led the British team, resplendent in red shoes, into the stadium
Iran's flagbearer was archer Zahra Nemati, who was paralysed in an accident
The gleaming torso of Tonga's Pita Aufatofua attracted attention on social media
Brazil's acting President, Michel Temer, was booed as he declared the Games open
Brazilian former marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima lit the Olympic cauldron - football legend Pele was not well enough to do so
- Published18 August 2016
- Published4 August 2016
- Published5 August 2016
- Published5 August 2016
