Milan-Cortina Games Begins with Multi-Site Opening Ceremony

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially began with a vibrant and ambitious opening ceremony staged across four Italian locations, marking a bold start to one of the most logistically complex Games in Olympic history.

Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium served as the main venue, while additional ceremony segments unfolded simultaneously in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno and Predazzo, reflecting the geographically spread nature of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

Despite early concerns over coordination, the multi-site spectacle ran smoothly, delivering a polished production that blended Italian culture, sport and symbolism.

Dual Cauldrons and Bocelli’s Emotional Performance

In a striking first, two Olympic cauldrons were lit—one in Milan and another in Cortina—symbolizing unity between the host cities. As the Olympic torch entered San Siro, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed a powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma, drawing emotional reactions from spectators across all four locations.

The ceremony concluded the athletes’ parade with the host nation, Italy, entering last to thunderous applause nationwide.

Cheers, Boos and Global Reactions

Ukrainian athletes received one of the warmest welcomes of the night, while Team USA was also loudly cheered. However, the atmosphere shifted when US vice-president JD Vance appeared on stadium screens, prompting audible boos. Mixed reactions were also heard during the entrance of the Israel and Georgia teams.

Great Britain was represented by figure skater Lilah Fear as flagbearer in Milan, while bobsledder Brad Hall carried the flag in Cortina.

‘Armonia’ at the Heart of the Show

The ceremony, directed by renowned creative director Marco Balich, was built around the theme of “armonia”—Italian for unity and connection.

According to organisers, the show followed “a narrative aimed at uniting territories, people and values within a shared vision.”

Segments titled “Italian beauty” and “fantasia” celebrated national identity, including a tribute to legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died in 2025 at the age of 91.

Adding to the star power, Mariah Carey, dressed in a sparkling white ensemble, delivered a performance of Volare, blending global pop culture with Italian heritage.

Leaders Address the World

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan-Cortina 2026 organising committee, praised the collective effort behind the Games.

"We stand ready to make Olympic history again, inspired by the values that unite all of us: excellence, friendship and respect," he said.

"The co-ordination of so many different bodies in the pursuit of one dream has been a powerful expression of this country's ability to deliver such a complex project."

"I have never been as proud to be Italian as I am tonight."

The Games were officially declared open by International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, marking a historic moment as the first woman to open the Olympic Games.

"This is why we all love the Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves," Coventry told the athletes.

"The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us — and what makes us human."

Competition Underway

While sports such as curling, figure skating and ice hockey have already begun, the first five gold medals of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be awarded on Saturday, officially launching the race for Olympic glory.