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PARADE OF NATIONS

One of the most iconic moments of any Olympic or Paralympic Games is the Opening Ceremony. The host nation puts on a dazzling show, highlighting their culture that culminates with the lighting of the Olympic and Paralympic cauldron.

Within the Opening Ceremony, the Parade of Nations stands out as each country enters the stadium, their Olympic or Paralympic dreams finally a reality.

Athletes are in agreement that entering the stadium is the most impactful moment of their Olympic or Paralympic experience.

You can experience the Parade of Nations alongside Team USA athletes in the Museum’s 360-degree immersive exhibit.

How the Parade of Nations has evolved over the years

The Parade began at the London 1908 Olympic Games under meticulous instruction, including that “every athlete taking part will be in the athletic costume of his country,” and “each nationality will be formed up in sections of four and will be headed eight paces in front by the bearer.”

During the Olympic Winter Games in 1924, athletes marched with equipment in hand: skis, skates, luges…even bobsleds! With time, however, the Parade of Nations has evolved.
Starting at the Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games, coaches and athletes from Greece entered the stadium first in order to honor the birthplace of the modern Olympics. Meanwhile, the host nation traditionally enters last.
Nations have always entered alphabetically, but based on the language of the host nation. At Mexico City 1968, as “United States” in Spanish is Estados Unidos, Team USA entered the stadium at the beginning of the parade. Meanwhile, in 2008, the U.S. entered 139th between Syria and the Virgin Islands based on the Chinese alphabet.
Tokyo 2020 brought another change. As the host nation, Japan entered the stadium last. However, the upcoming Games hosts entered second- and third-to-last (France, Paris 2024 and United States, Los Angeles 2028).