The Olympic Games begin with the opening ceremony, and officially kick off once a chosen athlete or figure lights the Olympic Cauldron using the famous flame, following the Olympic Torch’s long journey to the stadium.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics treated viewers to an epic showcase of fireworks displays, musical performances, and the Parade of Nations.
But what can you expect to happen during the Closing Ceremony?
Here is all you need to know.
What happens at the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games?
You can expect to see more of the Olympic Flame – plus local music, elaborate dance performances, and plenty of fireworks – at a typical closing ceremony.
But first, th eClosing Ceremony usually starts with the host country’s flag rising, along with the national anthem. For Tokyo 2020, you’ll hear Japan’s national anthem, called Kimigayo.
A few traditions usually take place after the anthem, with the Parade of Flags next up.
Essentially, flag bearers march in single file through the stadium. Each bearer holds their home country’s flag – with Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, leading the walk.
Since 1965, a Parade of Athletes has followed – though the athletes are supposed to mix together to form ‘one nation’, rather than stay with their respective teams.
But this tradition does fit nicely with Tokyo’s closing ceremony theme: Worlds We Share.
On the Olympics official website, the theme was explained as being inspired by the separation we’ve all faced during the last 18 months or so, due to social distancing rules.
‘People everywhere have been denied interaction with others, and we now find ourselves in a situation that few people could have imagined,’ it reads.
‘Given the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have designed the ceremonies around the concept that the Tokyo 2020 Games can bring fresh hope and encouragement to people around the world through the active appearance of athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Games and via the power of sport.’
It’s unclear if the athletes will be mixing during this year’s ceremony – but it is known that the closing ceremony won’t be performed in front of spectators, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
We can also expect to see a final medal ceremony at some point during the festivities – even though we tend to see those straight after each individual competition takes place.
Keep an eye out for stylistic nods to the next Summer Games’ host country: France, for Paris 2024. We should see Japan hand over the Olympic flag to France during the closing ceremony.
It’s bound to be eventful, but don’t be expecting a short one by any stretch of the imagination.
London 2012’s spectacular closing ceremony lasted over three hours, while Rio’s came in at just under three.
When is Tokyo 2020 Olympic closing ceremony?
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will draw to a close today, Sunday, August 8.
The ceremony is expected to take place at 8pm Japan time, meaning they’ll be broadcast in the UK at around 12pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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