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Gallery: the glittering opening ceremony in Rio

After years of preparation and months of controversy, the Rio Olympics finally had the world’s attention for all the right reasons – an opening ceremony that shared the colour and history of Brazilian culture with the world. (All images by Getty.)

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Anna Meares of Australia carries the flag during the Opening Ceremony.

Australian athletes greet the Rio crowds at Maracana Stadium

Australian athletes greet the Rio crowds at Maracana Stadium.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Members of the Australia team enter the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio Games.

rio olympics flame

Former Brazilian athlete Vanderlei Cordeiro lights the Olympic cauldron.

rio olympics opening ceremony 2016

The Olympic cauldron is lifted into place to loud cheers.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

A fireworks display lights up the Rio sky.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 05: Flag bearer Olivia Borlee of Belgium leads her team during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Flag bearer Olivia Borlee of Belgium leads her team into the stadium.

Opening Ceremony Rio 2016 Olympic Games

The Spanish team is introduced to the crowds.

Opening Ceremony Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Members of the Spanish team wave to the cameras.

A dancer performs A Simple Idea that Helps A Lot in Rio.

A dancer performs A Simple Idea that Helps A Lot in Rio.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Performers dance at the Geometrization: Arrival of The Arabs and the Orient during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, 2016. / AFP / Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV (Photo credit should read KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images)

Artists recognise the indigenous people of Brazil during the opening ceremony.

Opening Ceremony Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony.

Opening Ceremony Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Members of the Switzerland team enter the stadium.

Rio Opening ceremony 2016

A performer dances before the start of the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

rio olympics 2016

Pita Nikolas Aufatofua of Tonga carries the flag.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

The British team arrives to a massive cheer.

Another colourful scene from the launch of the Games.

Another colourful scene from the launch of the Games.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

The Canadian team arrives, flanked by officials and performers.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 05: A general view during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

One of the sculptural features of the Opening Ceremony.

rio olympics 2016

One of the great initiatives of the Rio Games, the Refugee Team is welcomed into the stadium.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Inside the Maracana Stadium during the Opening Ceremony.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Performers warm up the Olympics crowd with a glittering opening dance in Rio.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen walks as The Girl From Ipanema during the Bossa segment during the Opening Ceremony.

Gisele Bundchen during her appearance

Gisele Bundchen during her appearance in Rio.

rio olympics 2016 opening ceremony

Dancers perform during the Metropolis segment of the Opening Ceremony.

Dancers perform during the Metropolis segment.

High rise drama. Take to the skies to acknowledge the big cities of Brazil.

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