Rio games close with a three-hour party

Tradition and modernity merged during a nearly three-hour-long closing ceremony, watched by over 60 thousand people at the historic Maracana stadium, and millions across the globe on television, with the nagging showers and a strong wind failing to dampen the spirits of the 11 thousand odd athletes who mingled freely in the true spirit of Olympic camaraderie and big farewell to each other cutting across national barriers. Rain drenched Rio partied and brought out the myriad and diverse culture of Brazil, saluting the nation's music maestros, traditional arts and dance forms, as the 31st Olympic Games -- the first in South America -- drew to a colourful close in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Over 3,000 volunteers and 200 actors took part in the ceremony that resembled a carnival mood with intoxicating beats of Brazilian music.