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Photos of the Rio 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony (42 photos)

The games of the 31st Olympiad are now under way in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Organizers kicked off the proceedings with a colorful opening ceremony that highlighted Brazilian history and culture, and featured messages of hope and of care for the environment. Singers, lightshows, the Parade of Nations, multimedia performances, and Samba dances were all followed by the the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in Maracana Stadium, and the beginning of the  Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.