Olympic Opening Ceremony Tickets: The opening ritual for the 2026 Winter Olympics is fast approaching, and, with it, one of the most valued rituals of the Games: the procession of delegations. Each Olympics classically begins with the Head of State of the host nation and the leader of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) entering the place.

The Traditional Sequence of the Olympic Opening Ceremony

The national anthem of the host country is play or sung live while the country’s flag is raise. The ceremony also includes the dramatic reveal of the Olympic rings, followed by the Olympic motto: Faster, Higher, Stronger Together. After that comes the parade of delegations, which is when the athletes competing in the Games march into the venue under their nation’s flag.

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While the media team for the 2026 Games declined to provide the full list of countries participating in the parade, it confirmed that the event will stick to the protocol laid out by the IOC. Per tradition, the nations appear in the parade in alphabetical order based on the language of the host country for this year’s Milano Cortina Games, Italian.

How the Parade of Delegations Is Organized

But there are a few caveats to that rule. Because Greece is where the Olympic Games originated, its delegates lead the parade. Ahead of Italy playing host this year, the country’s delegation marched second-to-last in the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, entering just before China.

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The host country also closes out the parade, meaning that, this year, Italy’s delegates will appear last. And, since the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the hosts of upcoming Games have marched just before the current host country, toward the end of the parade.

Why Greece Always Leads the Parade of Nations

Also taking part were the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Morehouse College Glee Club, and the Spelman College Glee Club. Photos from the Opening Ceremony show the pageantry involved and the luminaries and athletes on hand, including President Bill Clinton, Evander Holyfield, and Shaquille O’Neal.

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Janet Evans later reveale that she initially decline the opportunity to be a torchbearer because she was schedule to compete in the swimming events the very next day. She worried that running with the Olympic torch might affect her performance, but Atlanta Games organizer Billy Payne convinced her that it would become one of the greatest moments of her Olympic career.

As Evans climbed the ramps carrying the Olympic flame and handed it to Muhammad Ali, she witnessed an unforgettable scene. The stadium erupted with chants of “Ali,” while athletes from around the world stood together in admiration. She later described the experience as even more meaningful than winning an Olympic gold medal because it represented the true spirit of the Olympic Games.

Why Italy Will March Last at the Milano Cortina 2026 Ceremony

Celine Dion delivered a breathtaking performance of “The Power of the Dream,” a song that perfectly captured the hope, unity, and determination celebrated by the Olympic Games. Her powerful vocals added an emotional touch to an already unforgettable Opening Ceremony.

She was join by legendary composer David Foster, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Morehouse College Glee Club, and the Spelman College Glee Club. Together, they created a spectacular musical performance that resonated with millions of viewers around the world. Click to read more about Olympic Opening Ceremony Tickets.

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Even decades later, Dion’s performance remains one of the most memorable musical moments in Olympic history. The song continues to symbolize inspiration, perseverance, and the shared dreams that bring athletes from every nation together on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Special Parade Traditions for Future Olympic Host Nations

The Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics remains one of the most iconic events in Olympic history. From the spectacular performances to the emotional lighting of the Olympic cauldron, the ceremony showcased the values of excellence, friendship, and global unity.

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Muhammad Ali’s unforgettable appearance became the defining image of the Games. His determination in overcoming the effects of Parkinson’s disease inspired millions of people and turned a simple ceremonial tradition into one of the most emotional moments ever witnessed in sports.

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What is the parade of delegations at the Winter Olympics?

The parade of delegations is a ceremonial event during the Olympic opening ceremony where athletes from each participating nation enter the stadium carrying their country’s flag and representing their teams.

Why does Greece always enter first in the Olympic parade?

Greece leads the parade as a tribute to its role as the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, a tradition that has been maintained in every modern Olympics.

Why will Italy be the last country to enter the parade at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

As the host nation of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy traditionally enters the stadium last during the parade of delegations.

How is the order of countries decide during the Olympic parade?

Most countries march in alphabetical order based on the official language of the host country. For the 2026 Winter Olympics, the order is determined using the Italian alphabet.

Who marches before the host country in the Olympic opening ceremony?

Since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the countries hosting upcoming Olympic Games march just before the current host nation as part of a newer Olympic tradition.

Will future Olympic host nations participate near the end of the 2026 parade?

Yes. France, which will host the 2030 Winter Olympics, and the United States, host of the 2034 Winter Olympics, are expected to march shortly before Italy.

What happens before the parade of delegations begins?

The ceremony usually includes the arrival of the host country’s Head of State and the IOC President, the raising of the host nation’s flag, the national anthem, the presentation of the Olympic rings, and the Olympic motto.

What is the official Olympic motto?

The current Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger Together,” emphasizing excellence, unity, and international cooperation through sport.

Do all participating athletes march in the opening ceremony?

Many athletes participate in the parade, although some may skip the ceremony to prepare for competitions scheduled shortly after the opening event.

Are refugee athletes included in the Olympic parade?

Yes. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team has participated in recent Olympic opening ceremonies, symbolizing hope, inclusion, and support for displaced athletes around the world.