RIO 2016: Beautiful Memories From The Grand Opening (Photos)

Brazil indeed made a huge statement last night when it brought the world to a standstill as over 2 billion people turned their attention to the Maracana stadium for the opening of the Rio 2016 Olympics, the first Olympics to be held in a South American city.

The opening ceremony consisted of an artistic light show celebrating the history of the Brazilian culture, an amazing firework show that lit the sky after that, a elegant Parade of Nations and lastly the lighting of the cauldron by Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, a Brazilian marathon runner – who won bronze for Brazil at the 2004 Games in Athens after being attacked by a spectator, which dropped him to third.

Incase you missed last night's epic opening, you can still relive the experience by checking out these pictures... ENJOY!!!

See pictures below: