Opening ceremony marks start of Olympics

Russia kicks off the opening ceremony Friday in Sochi as the world turns its attention to the costliest Olympic Games in history.

Spectators from all over the world will watch the lavish event and introduction of athletes, marking the official start of the Winter Olympics.

Light shows and music, lots of it, will fill the air.

"Most of the ceremony focuses heavily on Russian classical music," said Konstantin Ernst, the main creative producer of the ceremony.

"Unfortunately, unlike London, we cannot boast a plethora of famous world-known pop performers. This is why we are now focusing on what Russia is best known for musically around the world; namely, classical music."

Despite anxiety about terror strikes, controversy over gay rights and ridicule for poor preparations, the nation's officials have maintained that the sites in Sochi are secure.

It will be "the safest place on Earth during the Olympics," said Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the Games.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pushed the International Olympic Committee to hold the Games in the nation, will attend the ceremony.

"The head of state is expected to declare the Games open during the ceremony," Ernst said. "It is a requirement. And naturally, Mr. Putin will be doing just that."

The ceremony, the only event scheduled for the day, will last about two and a half hours.
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