[PICTURES] 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

It's official, the 2008 Olympics have begun and Beijing celebrated the start of the games with a spectacular opening ceremony. The ceremony began at 8 p.m. Friday (local time) at the National Stadium, also known as the bird's nest. Check out some pictures from the ceremony, to see the entire gallery, click on any image.

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium on August 8 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images AsiaPac)


Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts)


Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images AsiaPac)


A general view is seen during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)


Basketball player Chris Bosh (R) of the United States walks with his delegation during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images AsiaPac)


Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images AsiaPac)


The countdown begins during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images AsiaPac)


Performers with sailing boats are pictured during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images AsiaPac)


The United States team enter the stadium during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images AsiaPac)