One hundred and eleven years ago, the first modern Olympic Games

One hundred and eleven years ago today, the Games of the first modern Olympiad opened in Athens. Since then, the Games opening ceremonies, have developed, without losing their spectacular and unique aspects. The Opening Ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games have been inspired by the ceremonies of Ancient Greece.

Athens, 6 April 1896. The streets were full of people and music. The atmosphere was even more festive as this was not only the opening day of the first modern Olympic Games, but also the Greek national festival. Banners and flags flew above the Panathenian Stadium. In the stands were the general public, men wearing hats and
women wearing multicoloured dresses.

At the beginning of the afternoon, the royal family made their entrance. They were welcomed by the officials, and then made their way into the middle of the arena, accompanied by the royal anthem and by the acclamation of the crowd. After a speech by Royal Prince Konstantinos, King George I declared the Games of the first Olympiad open. The orchestras and the Athens Philharmonic choir then gathered in the centre of the Stadium to strike up the Olympic Anthem composed by Spyros Samaras and Kostis Palamas. To the sound of wild applause from the crowd, they played a second time.

Shortly afterwards, the first competition started.

At the first modern Olympic Games were 241 athletes (only men) from 14 nations, who were compete in nine sports and 43 events. Largest delegations coming from Greece, Germany, France and Great Britain. On opening day, the American James Connolly won the triple jump to become the first Olympic champion in more than 1,500 years. He was awarded, like all next winners a silver medal and an olive branch. German athlete Carl Schumann finished in the top five events. The Greeks got their champion, who won the marathon , the most popular event, Spyridon Louis.