Remembering the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens 2004

·

No words are sufficient to recall the visual, musical and emotional spectacle that Dimitris Papaioannou created to open the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Fireworks lit up the sky as some 10,000 athletes representing 202 countries marched together in front of 70,000 spectators during the opening.

The ceremony featured countless themes from ancient and modern Greek culture including traditional music, mythology-inspired costumes and other such motifs.

“The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will reflect two main aspects of Ancient Greek culture: the Apollonian and Dionysian,” Artistic Manager and Director of Ceremonies, Dimitris Papaioannou, stated at the time.

It also marked the first time in more than a century that the Olympic Games returned to Greece — as the first modern games had taken place there in 1896.

Following the ceremony, a parade of nations entered the stadium. The nations were arranged according to Greek alphabet, making Finland, Fiji, Chile and Hong Kong the last four to enter the stadium before the Greek delegation.

The ceremony ended with a massive fireworks spectacular. Photo: IOC.

On this occasion, in observance of the Olympic tradition that Greece opens the parade and the host nation closes it, the Greek flag bearer opened the parade and all the Greek delegation closed it.

The ceremony ended with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron by 1996 gold medalist windsurfer Nikolaos Kaklamanakis, after which the audience was encapsulated by a massive fireworks spectacular.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Konstantinos Argiros makes history with Sydney Opera House performance

Konstantinos Argiros made history on Monday night as one of the first Greek artists ever to perform at the Sydney Opera House.

Liberal Leader Sussan Ley pays tribute to the Greek community on OXI Day 2025

As Greeks commemorate OXI Day 2025, Federal Liberal Leader Sussan Ley MP has paid tribute to the courage and unity of the Greek people.

UK strikes £8 billion fighter jet deal with Turkey in landmark NATO agreement

The United Kingdom has finalised an £8 billion agreement to supply Turkey with 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Australia stands with Greece: Prime Minister Albanese’s message for OXI Day

On the 85th anniversary of OXI Day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shared a heartfelt message.

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

You May Also Like

Record enrolments drive Alphington Grammar’s next phase of development

With record enrolments and growing waiting lists at all levels, Alphington Grammar School is going from strength to strength. 

COVID-19 cases in Greece skyrocket to a record 3,465 despite lockdown

While Greece has been under lockdown for months, the country recorded the highest number of coronavirus cases on Wednesday.

Greek yoghurt products return to Australian hands after Bega Cheese takeover

The $534 million deal means Farmers Union Greek Style yoghurt and Yoplait's Greek yoghurt products will return to Australian manufacturing facilities.