Olympics closing ceremony is trip through Russian culture

By Steve Almasy, CNN

Updated 1146 GMT (1946 HKT) February 24, 2014

Fireworks explode over the Olympic park at the end of the closing ceremony for the Sochi Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 23.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – Fireworks explode over the Olympic park at the end of the closing ceremony for the Sochi Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 23.
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The Olympic rings are lit by fireworks as the closing ceremony comes to an end.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – The Olympic rings are lit by fireworks as the closing ceremony comes to an end.
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South Korean artists perform during the closing ceremony. Pyeongchang, South Korea, will host the Winter Olympics in 2018.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – South Korean artists perform during the closing ceremony. Pyeongchang, South Korea, will host the Winter Olympics in 2018.
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The Olympic flag is handed over to Lee Seok-rai, mayor of Pyeongchang.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – The Olympic flag is handed over to Lee Seok-rai, mayor of Pyeongchang.
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Olympic mascots the Hare, the Polar Bear and the Leopard stand by the extinguished Olympic flame.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – Olympic mascots the Hare, the Polar Bear and the Leopard stand by the extinguished Olympic flame.
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A balloon floats through falling confetti during the ceremony.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – A balloon floats through falling confetti during the ceremony.
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The Bear mascot blows out the Olympic flame.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – The Bear mascot blows out the Olympic flame.
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Dancers celebrate Russian ballet.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – Dancers celebrate Russian ballet.
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A dancer gleams during the closing ceremony.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – A dancer gleams during the closing ceremony.
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A performer hangs from a wire in front of the Olympic rings.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – A performer hangs from a wire in front of the Olympic rings.
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International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin helped close the Games.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin helped close the Games.
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A boat floats through the air.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – A boat floats through the air.
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The flags of the competing nations enter the arena.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – The flags of the competing nations enter the arena.
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Dancers deliver a nod to the malfunction of an Olympic ring during the opening ceremony.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – Dancers deliver a nod to the malfunction of an Olympic ring during the opening ceremony.
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The Olympic and Russian flags are raised as the Russian national anthem is sung.
Photos: Photos: Winter Olympics closing ceremony
Winter Olympics closing ceremony – The Olympic and Russian flags are raised as the Russian national anthem is sung.
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