Winter Olympics: What is the point of the closing ceremony?
By Amy Kaplan
The Winter Olympics closing ceremony has a long-standing tradition rich with unity, peace and celebration.
Most of us tuned in to watch the Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony in Pyeongchang, South Korea earlier this month, but the lesser of the ceremonies — the Olympic Closing Ceremony — is just as important, and here’s why.
The closing games signal the symbolic changing of cities. The Olympic flag will be passed by the mayor of Pyeongchang, Shim Jae-kook to the Olympic committee president who will then hand it to the next city to host the Winter Olympic games.
Beijing, China will be playing host to the next Winter Olympics in 2022 and it’s been reported by Bussiness Insider that “high-ranking officials like vice premier Liu Yandong and Beijing mayor Chen Jining will be present in Pyeongchang.”
Much like the Opening Ceremony, there will be music, performances, and fanfare including the singing of the South Korean national anthem and the singing of the Chinese national anthem.
In addition to the change in flags is the ceremonial extinguishing of the Olympic flame, which is a significant symbol of the end of the games.
Each countries flag will be brought into the stadium, in single file as a sign of unity between the countries. Jessie Diggins will be carrying the flag for Team USA after earning the first-ever gold medal in cross-country ski sprint.
This portion of the ceremony is particularly important as it’s been dubbed the “Peace March” tradition which began at the 1956 Summer Games in Melbourne, Australia.
Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium on February 25, unfortunately, due to the time difference you’ll have to wake up early (or stay up late) to see the ceremony live (6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT).
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