Flying Cauldron in 2024 Olympics: What’s so special about it?

The Paris Olympics opened on July 26, and since then, the famous torch tower has been lit during the day. Interestingly, when night falls, the torch tower rises to a height of about 30 meters above the ground.

What’s special?

Well, for many years, the torch tower has stood on the ground like a giant fixture. Generally, the torch tower is located near the main stadium.

However, this was not the case this time. This time the torch was suspended in the air. This makes Paris the first host city to have the torch suspended in the air. This is what makes this torch special.

history

The torch was designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, who was inspired by hot air balloons.

The designer believes that the torch, the torch relay cauldron and the Olympic torch stand are not actually distinct entities. Instead, they are elements that unify the narrative. Each of these elements symbolizes the essence of the Paris Olympic Games. The torch stand takes the form of a ring of fire suspended on the surface of a liquid. Pure and magical, it seems to float on the surface of the liquid and reflect on the metal base. If the torch is the sacred fire that is passed, then the torch stand is the object around which we gather and concentrate our energy”, he further added.

Interestingly, the balloon is named in memory of brothers Joseh-Michel Montgolfier and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, who were pioneers in hot air balloon design. They were one of 16 children. Their father was the owner of a paper mill in southern France. He supported and financed the brothers’ experiments.

Cauldron Location

The torch is located in the Tuileries Gardens, close to the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. This location is special because it was here that the Montgolfier brothers launched their first hot air balloon in 1783.