Just after the sun set on the Caucus Mountains at 8:14 p.m. on Feb. 6, the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi kicked off with a celebration of host country Russia, boasting songs of Russian pride and an ode to Russian heroes.
Although the opening highlighted Russian history, traditions like colorful fireworks, the lighting of the two Olympic torches and the parade of nations bonded nations across the world, boosting excitement for the games, which started on Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.

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(Photo: Alexanander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images)