THE RIO OLYMPIC Games were officially opened during a ceremony at the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro last night.

It’s the first time the Olympic Games are being staged in South America.

Jorge Alberto Oliveira Gomes lights the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro Silvia Izquierdo Silvia Izquierdo

The Olympic flame burns in Maracana Stadium during the opening ceremony AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei de Lima lights the Olympic flame Matthias Schrader Matthias Schrader

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen had a role in the production.

David Goldman David Goldman

Some 207 competing teams took part in the Parade of Nations and a refugee team received a standing ovation during the parade.

Patrick Barnes carries the flag of Ireland David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

Team Puerto Rico arrives during the opening ceremony David J. Phillip David J. Phillip

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Sheng Lei carries the flag China during the opening ceremony Matt Slocum Matt Slocum

The fireworks from Maracana Stadium could be seen across the city.

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Felipe Dana Felipe Dana

Felipe Dana Felipe Dana

The Mangueira slum is backdropped by fireworks exploding above the Maracana stadium during the opening ceremony of the Rio's 2016 Summer Olympics Leo Correa Leo Correa