Summer Games in Paris

The Olympic flame is now officially lit

The "High Priestess" lit the torch.(Bild: APA/AFP/Aris MESSINIS)

The Olympic flame for the Summer Games in Paris was lit on Tuesday at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece. Due to the lack of sunshine, the torch was lit with a fire that had been lit during the dress rehearsal. 

The flame should be a symbol of hope and peace in difficult times, said the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach.

"In these difficult times in which we live, in which wars and conflicts are increasing, people have had enough of all the hatred, aggression and negative news that they are confronted with day after day," said Bach. In their hearts, people were longing for something that would bring them together and unite them, the German continued. "The Olympic flame that we are lighting today is the symbol of this hope."

Apollo did not play along
Traditionally, the Olympic flame is lit with the help of a parabolic reflector. This failed on Tuesday. "Apollo, god of the sun and light, you sent your rays and lit the torch for the hospitable city of Paris," said the "high priestess", Greek actress Mary Mina, at the ceremony.

In the coming days, the fire will be carried in relay through numerous regions of Greece. On 26 April, the flame will then be handed over to the organizers of the Paris Games - in the old Olympic Stadium in Athens. The first Olympic Games of modern times were held in the Panathinaikon Stadium in 1896.

From Piraeus to Marseille
The fire will then set sail from the port of Piraeus on board the French three-master "Belem" to Marseille. This port city is linked to Greece. It was founded in ancient times by Greeks who settled there. The arrival of the bonfire in France is planned for 8 May, when the organizers expect 150,000 visitors to the port of Marseille.

With the lighting of the bonfire, the final spurt for the Summer Games has begun. On Wednesday, there will be 100 days until the opening ceremony in the French capital. The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.