A party atmosphere is a feature of the Olympic Games. Each edition has an Opening Ceremony during which the sports stadium is filled with music, singing, dancing and fireworks.

The opening ceremony is an invitation to discover the culture of the country hosting the Games. Although most of the ceremony is creative and imaginative, there are some very strict rituals that have to be followed.

Most of this protocol had been established by the time the 1920 Games in Antwerp (Belgium). It has been added to over the years as the Games have evolved.

Here’s the protocol:

1. The entry of the athletes into the stadium with their delegations (in alphabetical order, except for Greece which goes first, and the host country which brings up the rear);
2. The declaration of the opening of the Games by the Head of State of the host country;
3. The address by the Games Organizing Committee President;
4. The speech by the IOC President;
5. The entry of the Olympic flag into the stadium;
6. The Olympic anthem;
7. The symbolic release of doves (a symbol of peace);
8. The oath sworn by an athlete and an official from the host country (respect for the rules);
9. The entrance of the flame and lighting of the cauldron (reference to the ancient Games).

For more information on 2008 Beijing Olympics: Click Here.

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