Opening ceremony Athens 2004

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On 13 August, the biggest celebration of the world began at the aesthetically designed Athens Olympic Stadium. Exactly at 11.15 PM IST, the Opening Ceremony inspired by the gods, gilded with symbolism, and brought to life by fire and water, signaled the start of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games. The whole ceremony was the epitome of Greek mythology, civilization and culture

400 percussionists entered the stadium playing to the rhythm of the Greek dance zeimbeiko. A giant screen displayed the ancient stadium at Olympia and then a percussionist on the scren and in the stadium played in resonanece and struck a rhythm to symbolise heart beat.

The stadium with a capacity of 72000 and immersed in the incandescence of arc lights brimmed with audience on a humid, starless night. The Central arena was filled with 21,62000 litres of water which took six hours to fill but with a facility to drain out in just three minutes made it unique ceremony which lasted for six hours.

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A young boy carries the Greek flag as he rides a giant paper boat across a pool of water during the opening ceremony.

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As usual the ceremony was divided into two parts entertainment and protocol.

Then came the spectacular fire ball which plunged into the water filled centre field lighting up the Olympic circles which appeared flaming through the water as the percussionists played the rhythm of the heartbeat.

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Performers take part in the opening ceremony in order to present Greek history throught art

A Cychedelic head rose from the center of the pond, launching a melodic trip through Grecian history, a tribute to its master philosophers, mathematicians and a glimpse into its future.

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The programme allegory was breathtaking, depicting the evolution of the Greek civilisation which projected the different dimensions of life.

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From there, the ceremony drew on all that is close to Greek life and lore fire, a symbol of knowledge and power; water, allowing travel, trade and enjoyment; mythology, the enduring presence of the gods; and the olive tree, whose wreath was considered the ultimate prize and whose branch is a universal symbol of peace.

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A "galaxy" of floating rocks rise into the air during the opening ceremony.

The parade of the athletes from 202 countries accompanied by music played by the famous DJ Tiesto, took more than an hour and a half.

Solomon Islands' Francis Manioru leads his country's delegation.

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After the speeches of the ATHENS 2004 and the IOC Presidents, the President of the Hellenic Democracy proclaimed the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games open. In the centre is an olive tree - the symbol of Athens.

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After five torch bearers who carried the Olympic flame in the Olympic Stadium ,

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A gigantic torch makes a bow to the human bearer of the Olympic flame

Olympic sailing Mistral gold medallist Nikolaos Kaklamanakis lights the Olympic flame

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The Olympic flame rises above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony

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Pyrotechnics fill the air as the lighted cauldron reaches its final position marking the end to the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Athens

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