February 6, 2026
That’s a wrap! Let the Games begin.
The opening ceremony in Milan — spread across multiple locations including Cortina, Livigno, Predazzo and others — was longer than planned but packed with spectacle: fashion, music, dance, comedy, and for the first time in Olympic history, two Olympic flames.
Before the show, protests took to the streets of Milan over the presence of US ICE agents, rising rents, environmental concerns around construction, and calls to exclude certain nations. Still, outside the San Siro the mood was festive among many locals proud to host the Games.
Off we go!
The San Siro glowed red as the ceremony began with video montages of Italy and sequences referencing ancient Rome and the Renaissance. Ballet and group dance blended with contemporary beats. High-fashion nods to Milan — photographers, runway-style choreography and a tribute to Giorgio Armani, who died in 2025 — set the tone for a show steeped in Italian culture: opera, Pinocchio, chefs, moka pots and cinematic flourishes.
Fashion, paint and Mariah
There were inventive visuals: oversized paint tubes releasing color, three figures wearing giant heads of famous Italian composers, and people dressed to evoke Italian life. Mariah Carey, in a white diamond dress, performed “Nothing Is Impossible” partly in Italian and switched back to English to enthusiastic response. The ceremony made clear Milan’s role as a global fashion and cultural capital.
The Olympic Rings, nations and athletes
The Olympic rings were unveiled and lit in gold, followed by video presentations of the host venues: Predazzo, Cortina, Tesero, Antholz, Bormio, Livigno and Milano. The parade of nations began, but the multi-venue setup meant many teams were split across different cities. Cameras cut between locations, leaving parts of the stadium seeing name cards with few or no athletes behind them — a consequence of distance and event distribution that felt unusual compared with traditional single-stadium processions.
Highlights from the parade included Brazil’s upbeat Moncler-clad team and Canada’s large contingent. There were warm receptions for Ukraine and Italy’s hosting delegation. Smaller delegations brought their own memorable moments: Mexico fielded the first mother-and-son Winter Olympic pairing — 46-year-old Sarah Schleper and her 17-year-old son Lasse Gaxiola in alpine skiing — while Jamaica and other teams injected energy and color. Germany entered with NHL star Leon Draisaitl among its flagbearers; the USA drew big cheers, though the sight of US Vice President JD Vance on the big screen prompted boos from parts of the crowd.
Mattarella, Armani and the anthem
Italian President Sergio Mattarella received loud cheers before a classy tribute to Giorgio Armani. The Italian national anthem followed, delivered in the stadium amid a formal flag-raising.
Speeches, peace and a call for unity
Organizing committee head Giovanni Malagò spoke proudly of Italy’s hosting and the gender-balanced nature of these Games, thanking volunteers and urging unity. IOC President Kirsty Coventry — the IOC’s first woman president — addressed the athletes, invoking ubuntu and urging that the Games celebrate what unites humanity: “Strength is not just about winning, but also about courage, empathy and heart.” Charlize Theron delivered a surprise message of peace, quoting Nelson Mandela and urging the Games to be more than sport.
Music, stars and spectacle
The program blended high-profile musical moments: soprano-style classics and pop stars. Andrea Bocelli performed “Nessun dorma,” evoking strong emotion. Chinese pianist Lang Lang played the Olympic anthem as the Olympic flag was raised. Mariah Carey’s set earlier provided another vocal highlight. Unexpected celebrity appearances — from global stars to local favorites — added glamour and variety.
IOC protocol, rings and oaths
Athletes in Cortina read the Olympic oath, and the Olympic flag was carried by celebrated figures who have inspired many, including Rebeca Andrade and Eliud Kipchoge. The staging frequently shifted between Milan and Cortina, with Livigno and Predazzo also featured live, a logistical feat for organizers and broadcasters.
Both Olympic flames are lit!
In a historic first, two Olympic flames were lit. In Milan, Italian skiing legends Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni carried the flame into position, while in Cortina Sofia Goggia lit the flame there. The ceremonies culminated with fireworks over Milan and celebrations in Cortina, officially opening the Games.
Reactions to the split format
The multi-venue model showcased the geography of the Winter Games but created a fragmented parade experience. Some journalists noted empty seats early in the stadium and the odd sight of host-city cameras cutting between distant venues. Nonetheless, the pageantry and local highlights — from fashion to food to opera — helped emphasize Italy’s cultural contributions.
What’s next
With the opening ceremony concluded, competition begins in earnest. Saturday’s program includes five medal events such as the men’s downhill, women’s speed skating and men’s snowboard big air. Sunday brings eight events including the biathlon mixed relay, men’s luge and team figure skating. Over the next 19 days, stories to follow include Chloe Kim’s snowboarding campaign, Lindsey Vonn’s return, the historic bids from athletes across ages — including 15-year-old Abby Winterberger and 52-year-old Claudia Riegler — and ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut.
Final thoughts
Despite its length and some uneven pacing, the ceremony delivered memorable moments: show-stopping musical performances, fashion-forward visuals, a clear call for unity and peace, and the novel spectacle of twin Olympic flames lighting simultaneously in Milan and Cortina. The Games are officially open — let the competition begin.
