The opening ceremony of the Summer Paralympics will be held on Wednesday at the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue and the historic Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Champs-Elysees:
- Location: This famous avenue runs through the 8th arrondissement of Paris, connecting the Arc de Triomphe in the west to Place de la Concorde in the east.
- Features: It is renowned for its luxury shops, cafes, and wide sidewalks. It's a major cultural and historical artery of Paris, known for hosting celebrations and public events.
- Historical Significance: It has been a backdrop for numerous significant events, including military parades, football World Cup victories, and New Year's Eve celebrations. It was famously featured in Jean-Luc Godard's film "Breathless" (1960). The avenue began to take shape in the mid-17th century and has witnessed both jubilant celebrations and protests, such as the 2018 “yellow vest” demonstrations.
Place de la Concorde:
- Location: At the eastern end of the Champs-Elysees, it is the largest square in Paris, situated by the Seine River.
- Historical Significance: Known for its dark past during the French Revolution as “Place de la Revolution,” where executions, including those of King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, took place. It was renamed to Place de la Concorde after the July Revolution of 1830.
- Features: The square is defined by its large obelisk, a gift from Egypt in 1830, originally erected by Ramses II in Luxor.
The ceremony will feature a grand parade involving over 180 delegations and 4,400 para-athletes from around the world. This event promises to highlight Paris's rich history and vibrant cultural scene. For the latest updates, follow @ArabNewsSport.