Olympics from 1896 to the present day.
The tradition to organize a ceremony in honor of the opening and closing of the main sports events of the world went even from the ancient Greeks. Today, in the age of television and the Internet, the opening ceremony became an occasion for special pride of the host country, and a brilliant spectacle for the rest of the world. The opening of the Summer Olympics in London 2012 at a cost of $41.5 million, China has spent on similar celebrations more than $100 million in 2008.
1896: Athens, Greece
The first modern Olympic games took place “at home” in Greece, which brought together 280 participants from 13 countries who competed in 43 disciplines. In 1896 took place the first Olympic marathon: in the footsteps of a legendary Greek soldier who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over the Persians in 490 BC.
1900: Paris, France
The organizers of these Olympic games without ceremonies: just started on may 14 and finished on October 28, and the Olympics was held in the framework of the world trade fair.
1904: Saint Louis, United States
The opening day crowds of people gathered in the vacant lot in front of the imposing building of the Palace of industry, where now are fields Golf club, forest Park. It was the last game in history at which athletes competed, not being official representatives of any country.
1906: Athens, Greece
The picture captured the moment of the arrival of the Royal family at the opening ceremony of the Olympic games.
1908: London, England
Lord and lady Desborough during the Olympic regatta in Henley, UK, July 1908. William Grenfell, 1st Baron Desborough was Chairman of the British Olympic Association during the London Olympics. His wife, lady Ethel, is prizes.
1912: Stockholm, Sweden
Swedish athletes enter the old Stockholm stadium and marching in front of the Swedish Royal family.
1920: Antwerp, Belgium
Representatives of different countries lined up at the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics.
1924: Paris, France
In the photo: one of the speakers at ceremonie opening of the Olympic games, which took place at the Stade Yves du Manoir, located in the Paris suburb of Colombes.
1928: Amsterdam, Netherlands
During this solemn ceremony was lit the Olympic flame that symbolized the beginning of Games. Since then, this tradition is strictly observed.
1932: Los Angeles, CA, USA
A solemn moment 30 Jul 1932: the sign of the Olympics, white doves are released. Behind the athletes we see the entrance to the stadium and the Olympic torch over it.
1936: Berlin, Germany
Adolf Hitler, himself, enters through the Brandenburg gate, to officially open the 11th Olympic games in August 1936.
1948: London, UK
The parade of athletes at the Olympic stadium Wembley.
1952: Helsinki, Finland
Standing on the podium under the Finnish national flag, the gymnast Heikki Savolainen speaks on behalf of all the participants of the Olympic oath at the opening ceremony of the XV Olympiad, July 19, 1952, at the Olympic stadium in Helsinki.
1956: Melbourne, Australia
Australian athlete Ron Clarke runs with the Olympic torch in the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Olympic games of 1956 in Melbourne.
1960: Rome, Italy
Olympic team USA in straw hats and sunglasses marching at the opening ceremony of the Games.
1964: Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese delegation included the national stadium, Tokyo, October 10, 1964.
1968: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican runner Norma enriqueta Estela Basilio overcomes 90 steps to the foot of the Olympic torch to become the first woman in the history, which was entrusted to light the Olympic flame, October 12, 1968.
1972: Munich, Germany
The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany at the opening ceremony of the XX Olympic games.
1976: Montreal, Canada
Athletes from different countries are in the lap of the Olympic stadium, the tower of which is, incidentally, the tallest inclined structure in the world.
1980: Moscow, USSR
Performances during the opening ceremony of the Olympic games 19 July 1980 at the Grand sports arena of the Central stadium named after V. I. Lenin.
1984: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Spectacular flying with a jetpack above the stadium during the opening ceremony on 28 July 1984.
1988: Seoul, South Korea
Make Olympic flags to the stadium – 17 September 1988.
1992: Barcelona, Spain
The audience in the masks as part of the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic games in Barcelona.
1996: Atlanta, USA
During this solemn ceremony celebrated 100 years since the revival of the Olympic movement.
2000: Sydney, Australia
The speakers are in the middle of the stadium live map of Australia.
2004: Athens, Greece
Fireworks illuminate the audience at the opening ceremony of the Olympics 10 thousand athletes from 202 countries and 70 thousand spectators.
2008: Beijing, China
Drummers perform at the opening ceremony 8.08.08 of the year at the National stadium in Beijing.
2012: London, UK
Fireworks brighten the sky over the Olympic stadium July 27, 2012.
