Olympic Closing Ceremonies

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