The Olympic cauldron is a large, symbolic flame that is lit during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. It represents the spirit of the Games and the unity of athletes from around the world. The flame is ignited in Olympia, Greece, and is then carried to the host city through a relay of torchbearers. Once in the host city, the cauldron is lit during the ceremony, marking the official start of the Games. The flame remains lit throughout the duration of the Olympics and is extinguished during the closing ceremony, symbolizing the end of the event.