On February sixth, the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Video games have been formally inaugurated with the Opening Ceremony that occurred on the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milano.
For the primary time in Olympic historical past, the Ceremony was designed to unfold throughout Milano and Cortina, then broaden to all websites the place the Winter Video games happen throughout the Nationwide Olympic Committees’ parade.
Milano is in an distinctive location, with the snowy Alps simply seen from in every single place within the metropolis. These Olympics encourage a dialogue between city and nature, coming collectively in “Armonia” (concord) which was the official theme of the evening. Magnificence, artwork, and tradition got here collectively as a common language of peace and sustainability, with territories, folks, and values all uniting in concord.
Let me simply say this from the beginning: the Opening Ceremony was one thing unbelievable. I knew it might be particular, however I by no means imagined it might be that particular.
The vibe was phenomenal, with an viewers of almost 70,000, all supplied with bracelets that lit as much as create a lightweight present to go together with every phase of the Ceremony. The cheers have been heartwarming: I actually can’t inform you how a lot I felt my coronary heart would explode with pleasure, experiencing all that was occurring.
The Ceremony began with a celebration of Italian creativity and tradition: from artwork and opera to ballet, cinema, and a few typical traits of being Italian. The opening act had statues on stage that have been joined by performers to show right into a residing museum that developed into an intricate choreographic set to incorporate artwork and dance, as a tribute to Italian neoclassicism (together with references to sculptor and painter Antonio Canova) and ballet and performing arts of the Teatro alla Scala (opera theatre). The following acts developed right into a celebration of Italian icons, together with innovations, delicacies, literature, and naturally style, with costumes main the Italian flag that have been designed by Giorgio Armani.
Opening Ceremonies are well-known for massive movie star names, and this one didn’t disappoint. It began off with Mariah Carey singing the well-known “Volare” track, wearing white and together with her distinctive excessive word finally popping out to obtain a loud cheer from the viewers. Italian worldwide star Laura Pausini delivered a goosebump-worthy efficiency singing the Italian nationwide anthem, whereas Ghali sang in a transferring phase asking for peace. Pianist celebrity Lang Lang joined forces with soprano Cecilia Bartoli and youngsters of the choir of La Scala to carry out the Olympic anthem.
Inform me, although: what did you consider Andrea Bocelli singing “Nessun Dorma”? Was that not gorgeous? Speaking to skaters within the combined zone, his title got here up typically, as by the point he carried out, the athletes have been already sitting subsequent to the stage the place he sang from.
The lengthy record of stars additionally included segments with actress Sabrina Impacciatore, a humorous lesson on Italian hand gestures (you understand that Italians discuss with their palms too?), and a transferring Charlize Theron quoting phrases from Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, which I’d wish to share:
“Peace is not only the absence of battle; peace is the creation of an surroundings the place all can flourish, no matter race, color, creed, faith, gender, class, caste, or some other social markers of distinction.”
“In the present day, this message appears extra related than ever, so let these Video games be extra than simply sport. Allow them to be a reminder of our widespread humanity, our respect for each other, and a convincing name for peace in every single place.”
That is in step with the solemn second of the Olympic Truce, when all come collectively to attraction for peace. The Olympic Values embody this: excellence, respect, friendship, setting all rivalries apart and celebrating what unites us. You could possibly reside and breathe this all through your complete Ceremony. They have been all there, a reminder of the true which means of the Olympic Video games. Within the phrases of the Worldwide Olympic Committee President, Kirsty Coventry: “The spirit of the Olympic Video games is about a lot greater than sport. It’s about us, and what makes us human.”
The Athletes’ Parade was a particular second, with a first-ever multi-site parade from the 4 places the place the Video games are happening: Milano, Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno.
Every Nationwide Olympic Committee was introduced and launched by an individual holding an ice block with the nation’s title written on it. Sometimes, smaller Nationwide Olympic Committees would solely parade within the location they have been competing in, however every location would nonetheless have an individual with the nation’s ice block strolling at every website.
However when the flags have been coming in with athletes following them, you might see massive smiles on their faces that have been contagious and a mirrored image of how a lot this all means to them. This parade was in step with the idea of Armonia, exhibiting that a number of locations can share a typical spirit and unite as one.
We had particular moments for our skating neighborhood as effectively, with a number of the names we all know effectively serving as flag bearers for his or her nations: Olivia Sensible jumped with pleasure whereas carrying the Spanish flag, Lilah Worry beamed with satisfaction whereas waving Nice Britain’s flag, Diana Davis was visibly moved when she entered the stadium with the Georgian flag, and Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevičius glowed whereas carrying the Lithuanian flag.
As you’ll be able to think about, everybody who may be part of the parade, together with our beloved ice dancers, had an enormous smile on their face, savouring this distinctive second of their careers and lives.
Additionally historic was the presence of two Olympic Cauldrons, one in Milano’s Arco della Tempo and one in Cortina, modelled on Leonardo da Vinci’s designs. The Olympic Flame reached them concurrently, permitting each Cauldrons to mild up like suns, embodying once more the idea of Armonia.
My prime second needed to be when the 5 Olympic Rings merged all collectively in the midst of the stadium. The Olympics have at all times been a particular occasion for me, so to see the 5 rings proper earlier than my eyes nearly made it clear to me that I used to be residing one thing I had at all times dreamed of.
Let me finish by mentioning the gorgeous message delivered by Kirsty Coventry to all Olympians at these Winter Video games. Listed below are some quotes from it that I’d wish to share with you:
“You’ll present us what it means to be human. To dream. To beat. To respect each other. To take care of one another.
You’ll present us that power isn’t nearly profitable, it’s about braveness, empathy, and coronary heart.
You’ll not solely make unbelievable reminiscences. You’ll attain your Olympic desires, and you’ll present the world the best way to reside.
That is why all of us love the Olympic Video games. As a result of by means of you, we see the perfect of ourselves. You remind us that we will be courageous. That we will be type. And that we are able to get again up, regardless of how onerous we fall.”
Matteo
