Milan-Cortina Games Kick Off with Spectacular Opening Ceremony

Sun Feb 08 2026 00:52:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games commenced in Milan and Cortina with a dazzling opening ceremony celebrated across multiple venues, showcasing Italian culture and featuring performances from global icons.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics have officially begun, featuring a vibrant opening ceremony spanning four locations. Held mainly at the iconic San Siro stadium, guests experienced a celebration of sports, culture, and unity. Performances included a stirring rendition of \"Nessun Dorma\" by Andrea Bocelli and a tribute to fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Athletes from across the world were warmly welcomed, with special affection shown to the Ukrainian team. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of twin Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina.

The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games are officially under way after a vibrant opening ceremony split across four locations.

Milan's iconic San Siro stadium was the primary venue, with elements of the ceremony also taking place in Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo.

Despite concerns over the logistics of a multi-location ceremony, it was an impressive production that went off without a hitch.

Two Olympic cauldrons were lit - one in Milan and the other in Cortina - with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing a rousing rendition of Nessun Dorma as the torch entered the San Siro.

That followed a jubilant ending to the athlete's parade, with the Italy team the last to be brought out to huge cheers in all four locations.

Figure skater Lilah Fear was the Great Britain flagbearer in Milan, with bobsledder Brad Hall given that honour in Cortina.

Italy aside, the warmest welcome was reserved for the Ukrainian athletes, while Team USA were also loudly cheered.

But there were boos when US vice-president JD Vance was shown on the big screen, with negative crowd reactions for the Israel and Georgia teams as well.

Before the parade, creative director Marco Balich's show focused on the principle of 'armonia,' meaning union and connection, with a narrative aimed at uniting territories, people and values within a shared vision.

American singer Mariah Carey performed a version of Volare in a sparkling white outfit, while the ceremony also paid homage to the late Giorgio Armani, who passed away in 2025.

Giovanni Malago, president of the organizing committee, expressed pride in Italy's ability to deliver such a complex project, emphasizing the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry, marking her historical role as the first female IOC president, officially opened the Games, reminding everyone that the spirit of the Olympics reaches beyond sports, inspiring unity and resilience.

While events such as curling, figure skating and ice hockey have already begun, the first five gold medals of the Games will be contested on Saturday.