Published By: Sayan Guha

The Origins and Evolution of the Olympic Games’ Closing Ceremony

As Paris says its goodbyes with a futuristic spectacle, we explore the history and heart of Olympic closing ceremonies, where traditions and innovation unite

The Stade de France was converted into a shimmering, futuristic wonderland beneath the twinkling Paris sky as the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 concluded in a remarkable spectacle. This closing ceremony would be remembered for years, from when the enigmatic, golden extraterrestrialtraveler landed to Tom Cruise's Hollywood-style stunt of taking off with the Olympic flag.

The ceremony was more than simply a celebration of sporting achievements; it was also a message about togetherness in an uncertain world, with theatrical director Thomas Jolly's comments resonating across the stadium: "Humanity is beautiful when it comes together." It was a fitting conclusion to a series of games that had been about setting new records as much as breaking ones.

From tradition to triumph: The heart of the closing ceremony

In contrast to the grandeur of the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony is frequently seen as a more relaxed, cheerful affair. Nevertheless, it is a very traditional ceremony that has changed throughout time without losing its essential components. This year, Paris seamlessly blended history and innovation by fusing the ancient with the modern.

The closing ceremony has significantly improved since the 112th IOC session in 2001. The "Parade of Nations," which started in 1956, marked the start of etiquette. Flagbearers lead athletes into the stadium as a single global family rather than in precise national order. John Ian Wing, a young Australian schoolboy, proposed this symbolic deed to foster peace and harmony in a world still recovering from war wounds.

The journey of the flag: A tale of five cities

One of the most moving sections of the closing ceremony is the Antwerp Ceremony, named after the 1920 Games. The Olympic flag is passed from the mayor of the current host city to the president of the IOC, who then gives it to the mayor of the following host city. With each flag displaying the histories of the cities that came before, it's a moment that connects the past, present, and future.

Over time, these flags have evolved into more than just symbols. The Antwerp flag was first shown in 1920 and was flown until 1984, when wear forced its retirement. Similar to their predecessors, the Seoul and Oslo flags have also witnessed the passage of time, with each transfer signifying a new chapter in the history of the Olympics.

Paris handed the Los Angeles flag this year, but it was more than just a formality. It was a salute to the Olympics' diversity and worldwide reach, with LA Mayor Karen Bass making history as the first female person-of-colour mayor to receive the flag. It's a baton handover representing innumerable athletes' and fans' aspirations, enthusiasm, and ambitions worldwide.

The final flame: A new beginning

The Olympic flame, which had been burning brightly over Paris all night, was extinguished as the night ended. This little gesture marked the Games' conclusion and the beginning of a new Olympic cycle. Although the flame has extinguished, its spirit endures, igniting the hopes of aspiring Olympians and motivating other towns to emulate Paris' inventiveness.

Nevertheless, Paris 2024's legacy endures, even after the lights go off and the last strains of music fade. Paris, with its iconic purple sports track and outdoor events beneath the Eiffel Tower, has redefined what the Olympics can be. The city's "Games Wide Open" tagline demonstrates that the Olympics are more than just sports; they celebrate culture, diversity, and unity.