The pageantry of the Olympic Games is often felt right at the start of the first night's opening ceremonies when the host country entertains a worldwide audience with a cultural artistic program. It sets a tone by highlighting the best and brightest achievements from all walks of its people while further establishing a theme for other countries to follow.
The Parade of Nations is arguably the best known and most popular portion of that theme. Every athlete marches into the stadium alongside their respective countries, and the costumes and flags offer glimpsing looks into every nation competing at the games.