Best photos from PyeongChang 2018 opening ceremony

The PyeongChang 2018 opening ceremony kicked off early Friday morning. Here are some of the best photos from the Olympics' official kickoff:

The ceremony began with puppeteers entering with a giant white tiger.

Dancers continued to set the mood with traditional dance.

South Korean president Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Yo-Jong - the younger sister of Kim Jong Un - watched the festivities together.

Yo-Jong (back row, right) is leading the North Korean delegation of diplomats from the isolated nation to the PyeongChang games.

The stadium was filled with hundreds of drummers.

Here's a wide-angle view of the massive drum circle.

Martial arts performers instilled a spirit of competition.

As usual, there were some interesting artistic moments.

And these performers huddled around flashlights.

And this possible homage to 1980's ski gear.

Nigeria's famous bobsled team received a raucous ovation upon their entrance to the stadium.

As did Mexico's sombrero-clad flag bearer.

Then, Team USA arrived, donning what appeared to be fringed blacksmith gloves from the 1800s.

Canada arrived wearing normal gloves, emblazoned with maple leaves.

In a special symbol of unity, athletes from North and South Korea entered the stadium as co-flag bearers.

Finally, the torch bearers entered the stadium and prepared to ascend a massive illuminated staircase.

It was a long staircase.

A very long staircase.

Note to future torch bearers: next time, just take the elevator.

The torch bearers eventually reached the summit, handing off the cauldron-lighting duties to South Korean figure skating icon Kim Yuna.

Finally, a giant mechanical rod of flames extended to ignite the cauldron.

Let the games begin!

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)