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The Olympic Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony at the Olympic Games has become a major entertainment spectacle, costing many millions of dollars to stage. It has come a long way since the first opening ceremonies held during the 1908 Olympic Games in London, where for the first time, athletes marched into the stadium behind their nations' flags.



During the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, tradition dictates that the procession of athletes is always led by the Greek team, followed by all the other teams in alphabetical order (based on the language of the hosting country), except for the last team which is always the team of the hosting country.

The IOC has two official languages English and French. Both languages are used to introduce competitors.

At the opening ceremony, the Olympic flag is raised while the Olympic hymn is played. The torch relay arrives and the flame is lit. The Olympic Oath and Creed is also said.

Rio opening ceremony Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony

Opening Ceremony Trivia



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