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In pictures: Flame-lighting ceremony for the Paris Olympics in Greece

Lighting the Olympic flame at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics in southwestern Greece.
Lighting the Olympic flame at the birthplace of the ancient Olympics in southwestern Greece. - Copyright Thanassis Stavrakis/Copyright 2021 The AP. All rights reserved
Copyright Thanassis Stavrakis/Copyright 2021 The AP. All rights reserved
By Euronews
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The storied torch's 5,000-kilometre journey to this summer's games is about to begin.

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The flame for this summer's Paris Olympics is being lit at the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games in southern Greece in a meticulously choreographed ceremony.

It will then be carried through Greece for more than 5,000 kilometres before being handed over to French organisers at the Athens venue used for the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics, at the Ancient Olympia site, Greece.
Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics, at the Ancient Olympia site, Greece.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
Actress Mary Mina, playing high priestess, right, lights a torch during the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.
Actress Mary Mina, playing high priestess, right, lights a torch during the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
The flame will be carried through Greece for 11 days before being handed over to Paris organizers on April 26.
The flame will be carried through Greece for 11 days before being handed over to Paris organizers on April 26.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
A performer holds a ceramic pot with the flame during the official ceremony.
A performer holds a ceramic pot with the flame during the official ceremony.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
The first torch bearer, Greek olympic gold medalist Stefanos Douskos, right, passes the flame to first French torchbearer, three-time Olympic medallist Laure Manaudou.
The first torch bearer, Greek olympic gold medalist Stefanos Douskos, right, passes the flame to first French torchbearer, three-time Olympic medallist Laure Manaudou.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
The first torch bearer, Greek olympic gold medalist Stefanos Douskos, runs towards the monument to Pierre de Coubertin.
The first torch bearer, Greek olympic gold medalist Stefanos Douskos, runs towards the monument to Pierre de Coubertin.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
Actress Mary Mina, playing high priestess, lights a torch from a flame lit the day before during the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.
Actress Mary Mina, playing high priestess, lights a torch from a flame lit the day before during the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris
Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting at the Ancient Olympia site, Greece.
Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting at the Ancient Olympia site, Greece.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
Greek Presidential Guard soldiers enter the grounds for the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.
Greek Presidential Guard soldiers enter the grounds for the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis
Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.
Performers take part in the official ceremony of the flame lighting for the Paris Olympics.AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis

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