The arrival of the Olympic Flame in Heraklion |
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The arrival of the Olympic Flame in HeraklionAt 6:30 pm on July 9, 2004 the Olympic Flame arrived in Heraklion. The torch-relay returned to Greece after its round-the-world journey and the first place in Greece that welcomed the Olympic Flame is Heraklion. After completing the first truly International Olympic Torch Relay, visiting all five continents for the first time, the Olympic Flame was carried from Cyprus to Crete by ATHENS 2004 President, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki. Athletes and volunteers brought the flame from the airport of Heraklion to the port and then, along the streets and the venetian walls of Heraklion, to the monument of Eleftherios Venizelos in the center of Heraklion. On Sunday, July 10, the FLame will be brought to the Knossos Minoan Palace and afterwards it will continue its journey along Crete and Greece. The people of Heraklion and many tourists were gathered along the route of the torch-relay waiting to see the Olympic Flame and small celebrations were held in various spots in the city. The Olympic Flame ended up in Eleftherias Square in front of the monument of Eleftherios Venizelos and the altar was lit by the athlete Stella Pilatou. A splendid celebration began with choirs from the City of Heraklio and the Lyceum of Greek Women, as well as a spectacular fireworks display. Charis Alexiou and Manolis Famelos, lira players headed by Vasilis Skoulas and dances by the Breech-wearers Club providing the finale, concluded the celebration with a concert. Celebration with Cretan dancers in the streets of Heraklion
Volunteer carrying the torch with the Olympic Flame
Each volunteer carried the flame for 300 meters.
Thousands of people were gathered at the Eleftherias Square in Heraklion (click to enlarge)
The Mayor of Heraklion in front of the Olympic Flame at the monument of ELeftherios Venizelos
The big celebration started with fireworks at the Eleftherias Square
The concert of the Greek singer Haris Alexiou at Eleftherias Square in Heraklion
Haris Alexiou singing for the people of Heraklion
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