Ancient Greece lent us the tradition of the Olympic games. Modern-era Olympiads, themselves a
century-old legacy, yield a rich history of milestones now being commemorated in Olympic
ceremonies.
The traditions and festivities of the various Olympic ceremonies honor the past and celebrate the future; they remember an ancient civilization and showcase modern expressions of cultural identity.
Meaning in Traditions
The Olympic motto, creed, oath, flame, flag, and anthem—they are all tokens pointing to the
Olympic ideal. Collectively, they represent the essence of the Olympic Movement; individually,
they contribute to the legacy of the Olympic games.
A Celebration of Diversity
The Olympic ceremonies are enhanced with cultural entertainment offered by the hosting city's
Organizing Committee. Internationalism is a key ingredient of the Olympic Movement and it is the
international interest that elevated the ancient Olympic ideal to its present stature. What a
privilege it is for the whole world to have the opportunity to host the Olympics!
Opening Ceremony
Borrowing from the ancient past, at the opening ceremonies Olympic officials announce the start of a sacred period—a time to cherish humanity and celebrate the accomplishments of the human spirit.
Order of Events:
• Parade of Flags—Greece first, host city last, others in alphabetical order
• Speeches by the president of the Organizing Committee and the IOC president
• Head of state officially declares the Games open
• Olympic flag is raised as the Olympic hymn is played
• Olympic torch is used to light the Olympic flame
• Doves are released as a symbol of peace
• Olympic oath is taken by an athlete and an official
• Cultural entertainment is provided by the Organizing Committee of the host city
The Victory Ceremony
At the ancient Games, winners were presented with a simple olive branch that was cut with
a gold-handled knife from a wild olive tree. The Greeks believed that the vitality of the sacred
tree was transmitted to the recipient through the branch.
At the modern Games, Olympic medals are presented to the winning athletes who stand on a dais
at the completion of their event. A gold medal is presented for first place, silver for second,
and bronze for third. The host city is responsible for designing the medals within the guidelines
set by the IOC.
The national anthem of the winner is played as each medallist's national flag is raised.
Closing Ceremony
Even as one Olympiad draws to a close, preparations for the next begin. The Olympic ideal is a
living, dynamic institution in our daily lives—not simply a quadrennial homage to the past.
Order of Events:
• Olympic athletes are not separated into national teams as they enter the stadium
to symbolize the unity and friendship of the Games
• Three flags are raised to the national anthems—Greece, the current host country, and
the next host country
• Olympic flag passed to the mayor of the next host city
• President of the International Olympic Committee pronounces the Games closed
• Olympic flame is extinguished
• Olympic flag is lowered as the Olympic hymn is played
• Cultural entertainment is provided by the Organizing Committee of the host city
