The parade
The parade constitutes the celebration of the modern era national
states and symbolizes  their
pride and strength, simultaneously communicating the message
of unity. The spectators participate in this celebration showing
their enthusiasm. The parade of Olympic champions, with which
the Games were concluded, is indicative of that meaning:
"After the award of the prizes, the parade of the Olympic victors took place in the stadium, according to the schedule. Led by Mr. Manos, director of the Games, the Olympic victors and those who came second, bearing the honourable wreath of either a wild olive tree or a laurel, paraded around the field, at a slow pace, to the enthusiastic music of the bands. In the first rank was Louis waving a small Greek flag enthusiastically.
In the end of the parade, the king exclaimed:
"I declare the end of the first International Olympic Games!"
[Beck, Ch. (ed.), Oi Olympiakoi Agones, 776 BC - 1896
(The Olympic Games, 776 BC - 1896), Athens 1896]
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