The opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics has kicked off the Games in typically spectacular fashion.
During the procession, there was the usual display of dazzling lights, costumes and performances to thrill the 40,000 spectators at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, as well as around the world.
The ceremony did not pass off without controversy after the German team appeared in rainbow colours - although they denied their costumes were a way of supporting the LGBT campaign against Russia's recently introduced anti-gay laws.
IBTimes UK highlights the top moments of the opening ceremony of the most expensive Olympics of all time.
Fireworks over the Olympic Park during the opening ceremonyReuters
With the entire world watching, the first major mistake at the Games occurred within a matter of minutes when the fifth Olympic ring failed to openReuters
The moment will be seen as a huge embarrassment so soon into the most expensive Olympics everReuters
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach of Germany (L) and Russian president Vladimir Putin together at the start of the opening of the 2014 Sochi Winter OlympicsReuters
The German team denied their rainbow-coloured outfits were a response to Russia's controversial anti-gay lawsReuters
Britain's flag-bearer Jon Eley leads the UK's contingent into the Olympic StadiumReuters
Two of the Sochi Winter Olympic mascotsReuters
Performers take part in the St Basil's Cathedral tribute part of the ceremonyReuters
Onion-dome floats rise above the performersReuters
Performers beneath the Russian national flag during a performance about the country's historyReuters
Canada's flag-bearer Hayley Wickenheiser leads her countryReuters
Dancers perform traditional ballroom sceneReuters
The performance moved on to the industrial stage of Russia's historyReuters
The Games run until 23 FebruaryReuters
Violinist Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn, set to ski for Thailand, waves during the opening ceremonyReuters
Russia's team members march during the opening ceremonyReuters
