Friday night is the official start of the Summer Olympics 2016.
The Opening Ceremony promises to be the usual spectacular display. The show was curated by three creative directors, including an acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker. Their goal is to give us what CNN called “a flamboyant taste of Brazilian culture.”
Leaked reports from rehearsals indicate that there will be a big focus on environmental issues. Brazil is the home of the Amazon rain forest which has been dwindling rapidly over the years because of deforestation and climate change.
The ceremony also promises to be super sexy by celebrating the sensual dance, The Samba, and by utilizing costumes that celebrate the human body–meaning not much costume at all.
Michael Phelps will carry the American flag.
The ultimate symbol of the Olympic games, the Torch, will be lit by soccer legend Pele. Pele is the only soccer player to have won the World Cup three times.
Tune in. Find a livestream. Follow the liveblogs. And hop on twitter to live-tweet your reactions! LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!