The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi has begun at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

The show is called “Dreams of Russia” and tells the history of Russia through the eyes of 5-year-old Lyubov, who wants to be a champion in rhythmic gymnastics.

Three thousand performers and 2,700 volunteers are participating in the show. Konstantin Ernst, Russia's Channel One network director general, who is also the artistic director of the ceremony, revealed that his creative team included nationals from 18 countries, from as far as Australia and New Zealand.

The best kept secret of the ceremony is who will light the Olympic torch. The name will be given to the journalists covering the event shortly before the lighting itself.

The torch, standing at the square in the center of the Olympic complex in Sochi has been built by a Bulgarian construction team. All elements of the torch were produced by a Bulgarian company in Pleven and then were shipped to Sochi. The assembling of the torch took 126 days.

It is known that the Olympic anthem will be sung by the renowned opera soprano Anna Netrebko, but the show will also feature a performance by the controversial Russian pop duo tATu, which often pose as lesbians.

According to Ernst, the music of the 160-minute show will be mostly classical. The Games will last 16 days, with 2,900 athletes will competing for 98 medals in 15 sports.

Apart from the most expensive ever price tag of USD 51 B, the Olympic Games in Sochi set another record, with the 88 countries who are participating. The US, Canada, Germany and Norway are among the main contenders for largest number of medals to be won.

Bulgaria is participating with 18 athletes – in alpine skiing, luge, biathlon, cross-country skiing, snowboard and ski jumping. Chances of winning medal, however, are very slim.

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