Ceremonies are an important part of making our Relay For Life events impactful. While each Relay For Life event embraces the uniqueness of the home community, every event has the same four signature elements: a celebration of cancer survivors, a celebration of caregivers, a luminaria ceremony to honor and remember loved ones, and the opportunity to fight back against cancer.

On this page, you will find tips for planning an unforgettable Opening, Luminaria, and Closing Ceremony, plus a special 40 Years of Impact ceremony for 2025! From general scripts to optional add-ins, these resources are here to spark ideas.

Take what you need, mix in your community’s unique energy, and make it your own. No two events are ever exactly alike, and that’s what makes it so special. Make sure you take time each year to freshen up your ceremonies and help us continue to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back together.