A bunch of flowers welcomes the world from the heart of Barcelona, at the opening ceremony; 80 musicians sound the Olympic Fanfare by Carles Santos and the shrill bray of the tenoras summons us to the great festival. Flowers, birds and their Mediterranean joy, are among the symbols of this city which welcomes one and all with the great word of friendship: HOLA! More than 800 performers, in costumes by Peter Minshall and choreographed by Judy Chabola, form a smile which turns into the logotype of the Barcelona Games. The festivities have begun.