Milan Cortina 2026: A Harmonious Opening to the Winter Games
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 officially commenced on Friday, February 6, 2026, with a spectacular opening ceremony that unfolded across two cities – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo – in Italy. The ceremony, themed “Armonia” (harmony), was a vibrant display of Italian culture, artistry, and the spirit of the Games.
The event, held at the San Siro Stadium in Milan and extending to locations in Livigno and Predazzo, marked the first time in Winter Games history that the opening ceremony was staged across multiple locations. This innovative approach aimed to celebrate the connection between urban creativity and the beauty of the mountains.
Directed by Marco Balich, the ceremony was described as both elegant and extravagant, showcasing a blend of artistic performances and technological innovation. The program began with a balletic interpretation of Antonio Canova’s sculpture “Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss,” transitioning through black and white sequences referencing Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” before culminating in a riot of color with giant floating tubes of paint.
A particularly memorable moment featured dancers posing as larger-than-life representations of Italian opera composers Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini, and Gioachino Rossini. Runway models, dressed by Armani in the colors of the Italian flag – green, white, and red – also took part in the spectacle.
The ceremony included a performance by Mariah Carey, who sang both the classic Italian tune “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” (known as “Volare”) and her own hit song, “Nothing Is Impossible.” According to reports, Carey was adorned with approximately $15 million worth of diamond jewelry for her appearance.
The parade of nations, a traditional highlight of the opening ceremony, also served as a fashion showcase. The United States team was outfitted by Ralph Lauren in white puffy jackets with knit caps featuring a Scandinavian pattern. The Ukrainian team marched in their national colors, receiving a particularly enthusiastic reception from the crowd.
The second half of the ceremony featured an animated appearance by Sabrina Impacciatore, known for her roles in “The White Lotus” and “The Paper”, who led an energetic production number. Pianist Lang Lang accompanied Cecilia Bartoli as she sang the Olympic anthem, and Andrea Bocelli delivered a powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” Italian rapper Ghali recited an antiwar poem by Gianni Rodari.
The culmination of the ceremony involved the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons in both Milan and Cortina. In Milan, the cauldron was a spherical structure suspended within the Porta Sempione.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the theme of harmony, not only between Italy’s cities and countryside but also among all people. Giovanni Malagò, president of the organizing committee, stated that the athletes’ presence demonstrated the possibility of a world built on unity, respect, and harmony. Kirsty Coventry, the president of the International Olympic Committee, highlighted the spirit of competition and mutual respect among athletes. Charlize Theron quoted Nelson Mandela, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where all can flourish.
With the lighting of the cauldrons, the 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway, promising two weeks of athletic competition and international camaraderie.
