Greece goes first in the Olympic Opening Ceremony because it is officially honored as the birthplace of both the ancient and the first modern Olympic Games, and this is now written into Olympic protocol as a standing tradition.

Quick Scoop

  • Greece is recognized as the historical origin of the Olympics, dating back more than two millennia to the ancient Games held in Olympia.
  • When the modern Olympics were revived in 1896, Athens hosted the first edition, cementing Greeceā€™s symbolic role in the movement.
  • Since the 1928 Amsterdam Games, the Olympic rules have formalized that Greeceā€™s team enters first in the Parade of Nations at every Opening Ceremony, regardless of the host country.
  • The rest of the teams usually follow in alphabetical order based on the host nationā€™s language, with the host country coming in last to get a special spotlight.
  • When Greece itself hosts (as in Athens 2004), a special compromise is used: the Greek flag or a representative enters first to honor tradition, and the full Greek team also comes in last as the host nation.

A tiny bit of story

If you think of the Opening Ceremony as a kind of global ā€œthank youā€ to whoever started it all, Greece is always invited to step onto the stage first as a nod to where the Games began and where the Olympic flame is first lit before every edition. Thatā€™s why, year after year and Games after Games, youā€™ll always see the blueā€‘andā€‘white Greek flag leading the parade.

Meta description:
Wondering why does Greece go first in the Olympics? Learn how Olympic tradition, history, and official protocol give Greece the lead spot in the Parade of Nations at every Games.

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