The Olympic Winter Games marked their return to Europe tonight with an inspiring Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026 at the iconic San Siro and the host territories across Northern Italy.
In an Olympic first, the Opening Ceremony was held simultaneously across four venues. The San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan served as the central hub, with additional elements held in Livigno, Predazzo and Cortina d’Ampezzo to engage athletes, the public and each of the host communities.
There were also two Olympic cauldrons lit simultaneously for the first time in Olympic history, by Italian Alpine skiing legends Alberto Tonga and Deborah Compagnoni in Milan and two-time Alpine skiing Olympic medallist Sofia Goggia in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Opening Ceremony showcased the best of Italian culture, and featured impressive performances from five-time Grammy Award-winner Mariah Carey, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini and famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
At the unique Parade of Nations, flagbearers were announced at the San Siro before marching either there or at their local venue. Hosts Italy received a rapturous welcome, and were represented by flagbearers across all four venues in short track speed skater Arianna Fontana, cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino, Alpine skier Federica Brignone and curler Amos Mosaner.
Among the flagbearers were the Chair of the EOC Athletes’ Commission Johanna Talihärm, who will represent Estonia in biathlon at Milano Cortina 2026.
Slovenia’s ski jumper Nika Prevc, the 2022 Winner of the EOC’s Winter Piotr Nurowski Prize for the best young European athlete, also carried her nation’s flag at the Opening Ceremony.
After speeches by Milano Cortina 2026 President Giovanni Malagò and IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic Winter Games were officially declared open by the Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
President Coventry welcomed athletes from around the world to the Olympic Winter Games.
“This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall,” President Coventry said.
“And to everyone watching, here in Italy and around the world – thank you for joining this moment. Thank you for believing in the magic of the Olympic Games.”
European athletes won nearly 70% of the available medals at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and more than 1,900 athletes from 48 European National Olympic Committees are among those competing at Milano Cortina 2026.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will run until 22 February.
