National Narratives in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Abstract

By focusing on the cases of the Athens 2004 Olympic ceremonies, this article interrogates insular representations of the nation that are commonly nurtured by Olympic narratives. In particular, the article discusses the ways in which the Athens 2004 ceremonies articulated aspects of history, topography, and constituency in relation with Greece's present as well as with its past. By also locating instances that contest the perception of national identity as an overarching, unique, and pure entity, the article argues that the Olympics might be seen not as opportunities to elevate a nation's prestige, as it is hoped by many, but rather for making visible alternative identities and renewed national narratives that stretch the conceptual boundaries of the nation and its relation with Others.

Visual sociology

“…These examples demonstrate that megaevents are not necessarily stages for the display of universal human unity, but instead a convenient platform for protest. Mega-events, through series of set ceremonies and rituals (such as the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics), create a performative discourse of national identity (Chen et al, 2012;Hogan, 2003;Puijk, 2000) and national sentiment (pride or shame) (Traganou, 2010). The Olympic Games, in particular, become paramount representations of nation, where patriotism is broadcast by means of the opening and closing ceremonies (MacAloon, 1984).…”

Themes and content of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony: A comparison between pre-Games perspectives of British residents and actual ceremonial elements

“…Olympic ceremonies are based on a protocol specified by the Olympic Charter and also an artistic program, which is meant to present the culture of a host city/nation (Traganou, 2010).…”

Post-Event Leverage and Olympic Legacy: A Strategic Framework for the Development of Sport and Cultural Tourism in Post-Olympic Athens

“…In terms of tourism development, the Games brought about the unification of the city's urban landscape with the coast at the South (Kissoudi, 2008;Sykianaki, 2006), enriching this way its tourist product mix and facilitating the transportation of tourists, via the initially made for the Olympics, tram-line that connects the city center with Athens' southern outskirts (Boukas, Ziakas, & Boustras, 2012;Zografos & Deffner, 2007). Further, because the rationale for hosting the Olympics, was based on the intention to project the cultural identity of Athens and Greece (Boukas et al, 2013;Fauquembergue, 2008;Traganou, 2010), the Olympics acted as the medium for the unification, enhancement and projection of many areas with cultural significance (Beriatos & Gospodini, 2004). The cultural significance of the Olympics for Athens was also highlighted by the Olympic Truce (IOC, 2008), the Cultural Olympiad (ATHENS 2004(ATHENS , 2004, and the integration of modernity (Kissoudi, 2010) with the past (Khirfan, 2010) that exhibits the multicultural character of the city (ATHENS 2004(ATHENS , 2004Boukas et al, 2013).…”