CNN — Just a few weeks after the Paris Olympics concluded, the Paralympics opening ceremony began with a historic first: it was held outside of a stadium in spectacular fashion.

A total of 140 artists, featuring 16 performers with disabilities, took center stage alongside a parade of athletes. The procession began at the base of the iconic Champs-Élysées and proceeded into the renowned Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris.

A total of 168 delegations took part in the celebration.

Organizers anticipated that over 50,000 spectators would attend the ceremony, with an estimated 300 million television viewers expected to watch the event.

In his opening speech, Tony Estanguet, President of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, praised "the Paralympic revolution

Estanguet remarked, "What makes you revolutionaries is that, even when they told you 'No,' you persevered

He added, "Tonight, you're inviting us to shift our perspectives, alter our attitudes, and transform our society to ensure that everyone is given their rightful place

The competition kicks off on Thursday.

Fireworks light up the sky above the Place de la Concorde in Paris during the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics.