Final preparations are in full swing for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, set to take place on Wednesday, August 28. This much-anticipated event comes just a month after the controversial Olympic opening ceremony, which stirred debate with its bold interpretation of French history and culture.
Following in the footsteps of the Olympics, the Paralympics ceremony will also break with tradition by being held outside a sports stadium. The event will take place along the Champs-Elysées Avenue and at the Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris. The opening is under the direction of Thomas Jolly, the same artistic director behind the Olympic ceremonies. Despite facing backlash, including death threats over the Olympics’ artistic choices, Jolly remains committed to delivering a memorable show that highlights the spirit of inclusion.
Titled “Paradox,” the two-part ceremony will see 4,400 Paralympians from 168 delegations parade down the iconic Champs-Elysées Avenue in front of 15,000 spectators, with free entry to the public. The parade will be followed by a three-hour performance at a temporary 30,000-capacity arena in La Place de la Concorde. The event promises to focus on themes of diversity and inclusion, with Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman directing routines featuring over 150 dancers, including those with disabilities.
While the star-studded Olympic ceremony featured performances by Céline Dion, Lady Gaga, and Aya Nakamura, the Paralympics ceremony is expected to take a more subtle approach. However, anticipation is high, as the lineup of acts remains closely guarded.
Ahead of the ceremony, Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan will participate in the final stretch of the Olympic flame’s journey through Paris. Other notable participants include actress Elsa Zylberstein and several former Paralympic champions.
Unlike the rainy weather that marked the Olympics opening, the forecast for Wednesday predicts clear skies and warm temperatures. In the lead-up to the event, organizers announced that two million tickets for the Paralympics had already been sold, with sports like track cycling and triathlon already sold out.
The 2024 Paralympics will run from August 28 to September 8. USA Network and Peacock will broadcast the opening ceremony live at 1 p.m. ET, with highlights airing on NBC and Peacock in primetime on August 30.
