The impressive ceremony for the Lighting of the Olympic Flame at Ancient Olympia took place, in anticipation of the 2024 Olympic Games to be held in Paris this summer.
The Lighting Ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou. Following this, the torch relay commenced.
From April 16th to April 26th, the Olympic Flame will travel across Greece.
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The High Priestess responsible for “birthing” the Olympic Flame is actress Mary Mina, while the gold medalist Stefanos Douskos was the first torchbearer.
The choreography, titled “Throes of Sacred Silence,” was inspired and directed by choreographer Artemis Ignatiou, with music composed by Dimitris Papadimitriou, performed by 35 priestesses and 15 chorus members.
Costumes for the performers have been designed by the internationally renowned designer Mary Katrantzou.
The Olympic Hymn was performed by the leading mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, while the host was the acclaimed journalist Nikos Aliagas.