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The Most Stunning Images From The Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony

The first-of-its-kind opening ceremony featured a Parade of Nations against a backdrop of iconic Parisian landmarks.
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Trends Reporter

Fireworks light up Place de la Concorde during the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony.Open Image ModalFireworks light up Place de la Concorde during the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony.
Fireworks light up Place de la Concorde during the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony.
Thibault Camus via Associated Press

The 2024 Summer Paralympics kicked off with a bang on Thursday with the opening ceremony in Paris.

Athletes from around the world paraded down the iconic Champs-Elysées avenue to Place de la Concorde, where around 50,000 spectators watched the ceremony from stands built around the historic square in central Paris. It was the first time the Paralympics has held its opening ceremony outdoors.

From Thursday until September 8, more than 4,000 athletes will compete in over 500 medal events across 22 sports in the Paralympic Games. 

 
France's paralympic torchbearers, Charles-Antoine Kaoukou, Nantenin Keita, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant and Elodie Lorandi, hold the Paralympic flame in front of the Paralympic cauldron.Open Image ModalFrance's paralympic torchbearers, Charles-Antoine Kaoukou, Nantenin Keita, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant and Elodie Lorandi, hold the Paralympic flame in front of the Paralympic cauldron.
France's paralympic torchbearers, Charles-Antoine Kaoukou, Nantenin Keita, Fabien Lamirault, Alexis Hanquinquant and Elodie Lorandi, hold the Paralympic flame in front of the Paralympic cauldron.
FRANCK FIFE via Getty Images
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A performance by French singer-songwriter Christine and the Queens.
Tom Weller/VOIGT via Getty Images
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Tom Weller/VOIGT via Getty Images
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The cauldron, attached to a balloon, ascends after it's lit by torchbearers.
Kevin Voigt via Getty Images
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Fireworks explode next to the Obelisque de Louxor, the main monument in the square.
DIMITAR DILKOFF via Getty Images
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The Patrouille acrobatique de France perform a flyby whilst releasing smoke in the colours of the French flag.
Michael Reaves via Getty Images
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Tullio M. Puglia via Getty Images
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The sunset over the Arc de Triomphe as athletes parade towards the Place de la Concorde.
Tullio M. Puglia via Getty Images
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Performers hold flames as a torchbearer carries the Paralympic Flame.
Andy Lyons via Getty Images
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French Paralympic Swimmer Theo Curin traveled in a car decorated with the 2024 mascot, the Phryge.
Kevin Voigt via Getty Images
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Artists perform at the start of the opening ceremony.
Pool via Getty Images
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Ramsey Cardy via Getty Images
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Smoke is released in the colors of the French flag whilst dancers perform during the "discord" act. The theme of the ceremony was "From Discord to Concord."
Ezra Shaw via Getty Images
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