Spectacular closing ceremony as Olympic flag goes to Tokyo

The flag bearers of Olympic nations from around the world have entered the Maracanã! #ClosingCeremony pic.twitter.com/JGsfgmF6Ut

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) August 21, 2016

The Rio Olympics ended with a spectacular carnival-inspired closing ceremony, and the official handover to 2020 hosts Tokyo. The colourful ceremony, lasting almost three hours, celebrated Brazil’s arts and was held in a wet Maracana. Among the highlights were Tokyo’s impressive showcase and a vibrant carnival parade. “These were a marvellous Olympics, in a marvellous city,” said International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach.

President of the IOC Thomas Bach declares the 31st Olympiad closed and says goodbye and thanks to #Rio2016 ! pic.twitter.com/cSThHp7WFp — Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) August 22, 2016

“Over the last 16 days a united Brazil inspired the world, in difficult times for all of us, with its irresistible joy for life.”

Read more at: BBC News