Anopening ceremony,grand opening, orribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of a newly constructed location or the start of an event.[1] Opening ceremonies at significant events such as theOlympic Games,FIFA World Cup, and theRugby World Cup might involve thousands of participants and be watched worldwide. Such tournaments often also include aclosing ceremony at the end of the event.[2]
A ribbon cutting is a ceremonial event to mark the opening of a new business or a newly renovated business location. It typically involves cutting a ribbon with giantscissors, speeches and presentations by local officials and business owners, and tours of the new facilities. Members of the local community often attend the event, the local chapter of thechamber of commerce, the media, and other guests. It is seen as a celebration of the business and the community it serves.
The ritual originated in the ancient ceremony to open theCloth Fair atBartholomew the Great,London. Since1133, theLord Mayor of London would open the fair each year by ceremonially cutting a piece of cloth.[3]
In the case of physical establishments, its grand opening might be preceded by a "soft opening" or "soft launch" in which the establishment begins to operate with little promotion to allow testing of operations, procedures, and facilities.
