National Narratives in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Abstract

By focusing on the cases of the Athens 2004 Olympic ceremonies, this article interrogates insular representations of the nation that are commonly nurtured by Olympic narratives. In particular, the article discusses the ways in which the Athens 2004 ceremonies articulated aspects of history, topography, and constituency in relation with Greece’s present as well as with its past. By also locating instances that contest the perception of national identity as an overarching, unique, and pure entity, the article argues that the Olympics might be seen not as opportunities to elevate a nation’s prestige, as it is hoped by many, but rather for making visible alternative identities and renewed national narratives that stretch the conceptual boundaries of the nation and its relation with Others.