opening ceremony
Formal event launch
An opening ceremony is the formal event marking the beginning of something significant—most commonly the Olympics, where host nations showcase their culture before the games commence.
The term applies to any inaugural ritual: the opening ceremony of a bridge, a parliament session, or a world's fair.
These events typically feature speeches, performances, and symbolic acts like ribbon-cutting or torch-lighting.
Elaborate ceremonial display
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- paradeCeremonial public procession
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
performance · light show · dazzle · pyrotechnics · grandeur · showmanship · display · visuals
Ceremonial opening event
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- commencementAct of starting
- kickoffOpening play in football
- launchSet into motion
unveiling · swearing-in · dedication · groundbreaking · debut · premiere · convocation · installation
Ceremonial set of actions
- torch lightingIgniting a handheld fire
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- march-pastCeremonial military procession
- flag-bearerPerson carrying ceremonial banner
procession · delegation · oath · protocol · invocation · heritage · symbolism · cauldron
Celebratory events and activities
- galaFestive formal occasion
- jubilationIntense, expressive happiness
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
merrymaking · entertainment · banquet · host city · cheer · gaiety · conviviality · fiesta
pageantry
Elaborate ceremonial display
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- extravaganzaLavish, elaborate entertainment
- paradeCeremonial public procession
choreography · performance · light show · dazzle · pyrotechnics · grandeur · showmanship · display · visuals · tableau
ribbon-cutting
Ceremonial opening event
- inaugurationFormal beginning ceremony
- commencementAct of starting
- kickoffOpening play in football
launch · unveiling · swearing-in · dedication · groundbreaking · debut · premiere · convocation · installation · first pitch
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- torch lightingIgniting a handheld fire
- anthemOfficial song of praise
- march-pastCeremonial military procession
flag-bearer · procession · delegation · oath · protocol · invocation · heritage · symbolism · cauldron · torch relay
festivities
Celebratory events and activities
- galaFestive formal occasion
- jubilationIntense, expressive happiness
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
carnival · merrymaking · entertainment · banquet · host city · cheer · gaiety · conviviality · fiesta · fete
- ceremonieswedding, weddings, graduation, graduations, funeral
- olympic designationgold medal, silver medal, bronze medal, Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics
- World ExposGreat Exhibition, world's fair, expo, expos, world fair
- World's Fairsworld's fair, fairgrounds, exhibits, pavilion, exhibition halls
- Youth Olympicsyouth empowerment, torch relay, IOC, Lausanne, Buenos Aires
- con eventspanels, dances, masquerade, vendor hall, artist alley
opening ceremonyclosing ceremony
Formal concluding event
closing act · finale · finish · close · curtain call
opening, ceremony, opened, opens, opener, openings, reopen, unopened, ceremonies