Paris Paralympic Games come to a close with rainy electro party

The Paris 2024 Games concluded in a manner reminiscent of their commencement, with rain falling yet a celebratory spirit prevailing, highlighted by an electro-party at the Stade de France that marked the end of the Paralympics on Sunday.

A total of 24 French DJs, including the renowned electronic music innovator Jean-Michel Jarre and the duo Cassius, performed during the final segment of the event.

Prior to this, 169 delegations paraded to the melodies of beloved French classics, prompting the audience to join in song.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo presented the Paralympic flag to Andrew Parsons, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, who subsequently passed it to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, making her the first Black woman to receive the Paralympic flag during a closing ceremony.

The American national anthem was rendered by Ali Stroker.

"Nobody wishes for these Games to conclude," remarked Tony Estanguet, president of Paris 2024, as the city prepares to hand over the responsibility to Los Angeles for the upcoming Summer Games.

"We have set numerous records, so tonight let us achieve another. I urge you to give the para-athletes the longest, loudest, and most enthusiastic ovation they have ever received," he encouraged, eliciting thunderous applause from the 64,000 attendees, a stark contrast to the jeers directed at French President Emmanuel Macron.

Estanguet also called upon the audience and viewers to remember "this summer when France was filled with joy."

The Olympic cauldron, which was intended to be elevated into the sky via a hot-air balloon one final time from the Jardin des Tuileries adjacent to the Louvre Museum, remained grounded due to the rain, culminating in the extinguishing of the flame, which marked the only somber moment of the evening.