{"id":170670,"date":"2021-08-06T09:15:15","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T08:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=170670"},"modified":"2025-03-05T14:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T13:53:16","slug":"the-best-olympic-closing-ceremonies-in-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/the-best-olympic-closing-ceremonies-in-history\/","title":{"rendered":"The best Olympic closing ceremonies in history"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The past 17 days have seen a whirlwind of world-class athleticism, fantastic sportsmanship and spine-tingling performances. After a year\u2019s delay, it’s safe to say the Tokyo Olympics has more than lived up to its expectations. From 13-year-old skateboarding medalists to the first ever gold medal for the Philippines, there\u2019s been no end to world records. So it goes without saying, with an Olympics as triumphant as Tokyo 2020\/1, we can definitely expect a fantastic closing ceremony to finish on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can’t wait for the finale? Here’s something to whet your appetite… the best Olympic closing ceremonies in history!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

London 2012 Olympics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thrilled audiences from around the world saw the very best of British pop culture at London\u2019s 2012 closing ceremony. Our personal highlight? The long-anticipated Spice Girls reunion. The girl band that single-handedly dominated the British pop scene in the 1990s and<\/em> created a worldwide \u2018Spiceworld\u2019 phenomenon. And here they were back on home turf, whipping up the audience into a frenzy with a rendition of their biggest hits – \u201cWannabe\u201d & \u201cSpice Up Your Life\u201d. It\u2019s not just Brit pop the world celebrated either, with Queen\u2019s guitarist Brian May getting the crowd up and stomping to a stadium-shaking \u201cWe Will Rock You\u201d. Is there a better way to celebrate Britain’s glorious musical lineage than Scary Spice & Queen? We think not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CRqfR57JhkK\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In their spectacular 2016 closing ceremony, Brazil threw the biggest carnival party imaginable, with billions around the world tuning in to sing and dance the night (or day) away. Included in their musical repertoire was the legendary \u201cCidade Maravilhosa”, the carnival march that best represents Rio\u2019s national anthem. It was this particular song, accompanied by drummers and powerhouse singers, that saw the whole stadium erupt in boisterous cheers and joyous samba dancing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, whilst there were many memorable moments in Rio’s closing ceremony, one signature moment stands out the most. During the symbolic handover to the next host city, audiences witnessed Japan\u2019s famous anime and games characters come to life in a colourful video montage. As the video came to the end, the camera panned to the stage where Mario’s iconic green tunnel emerged from beneath the ground. And from there, who should pop out but Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A true stroke of genius which you can watch in the video below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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#Tokyo2020<\/a> already stepping the game up!!! pic.twitter.com\/HBbDZCAztS<\/a><\/p>— pettyofs\u2077 (@pettyofs) August 22, 2016<\/a><\/blockquote>