Paris bids farewell to the 2024 Olympics with a grand parade on the Champs-Élysées on Saturday celebrating athletes and volunteers, followed by a concert featuring artists from this summer's ceremonies. Romain Pissenem, the creative mind behind the Paralympic closing ceremony, spoke to FRANCE 24 about the unifying spirit of the Games.
A grand parade of French athletes, volunteers, and public sector workers marches along the Champs-Élysées this Saturday, offering one final chance to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event will be followed by a concert featuring a number of French artists from this summer's ceremonies, aiming to recapture the magic of the Games one last time.
Romain Pissenem, the creative mind behind the Paralympic closing ceremony, spoke to FRANCE 24 about what to expect of the parade.
"I don't think it's about the show, it's more about having all the athletes and all the people who worked very hard in the last month. I think it's more about saying a big thank you to everyone," Pissenem said.
During the Paralympic closing ceremony, the producer worked with 24 DJs, including iconic figures like Jean-Michel Jarre, Martin Solveig, and Kavinsky, creating a "tour de force" of French dance music history.
“For us, it was really important to give this moment of celebration of union and and to make sure we were be able to put together a very big visual experience,” Pissenem explained.
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This celebration of unity echoed the spirit of the Games themselves, a message that was important not just for the athletes but for everyone watching around the globe.
Despite his pivotal role in crafting the ceremonies, Pissenem will not be attending tonight’s parade and concert, as he’s already onto his next big project – staging shows for Formula One and David Guetta. Still, he remains proud of the impact the Paris 2024 ceremonies have had.
“This kind of show was really important and a moment I'm very proud of,” Pissenem said.
Tonight's farewell event will serve as one final chance for France to celebrate a summer that united the nation in sport, music, and joy.
