Rio 2016: From Ancient Olympia to Maracanã… Here Comes the Olympic Torch

The time has come for Greece to share the light of the Olympics as the Olympic Torch begins its journey on April 21 from the home of the Games in Ancient Olympia to Athens’ Panathenian Stadium on April 27 and from there to Brazil, the host of the world’s largest sporting event.

The flame will be lit in a traditional ceremony in Ancient Olympia and will then be carried throughout Greece to arrive and be handed over to the Brazilian organizing committee on April 27, at a special ceremony at the Athens Panathenian Stadium. From there it will travel to Brazil, where some 10,000 torchbearers will carry it approximately 20,000km across the country with the torch relay visiting Brazil’s 26 states. The torch will pass through 250 cities and towns, conveying the spirit of the Games to the Brazilian people.

On August 5 the torch will take center stage as it will be used to light the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the legendary Maracanã Stadium.

“Upon being awarded the right to host the 2016 Olympic Games, we promised to involve the entire country, thereby ensuring it would be an event made by Brazilians, for Brazilians and with a Brazilian spirit for the world to enjoy,” said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

“To stage the Olympic torch relay across the whole country is to fulfil that promise and give millions the chance to participate in an unforgettable celebration.”

The April 27 event at the Panathenian Stadium in Athens starts at 5pm and is open to all. Click here for the full program of the Olympic Torch lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia and the weeklong relay.