Italy dressed up this Friday, February 6, to kick off the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, marking the third time that the transalpine country has hosted the white event.
The Opening Ceremony, titled “Harmony”, was consolidated as a powerful manifesto of peace, inclusion and dialogue, using the vision of a shared universal identity to propose a model of global coexistence through sport.
The event broke traditional molds by simultaneously connecting Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, allowing athletes to parade in their respective competition venues.
This narrative of “territorial choreography” symbolized the union between seemingly opposite concepts such as the city and the mountains, humanity and nature, or tradition and innovation.
The circle was the great visual protagonist of the night, acting as a symbol of continuity and balance that reinforced the message of a united society despite its differences.
This edition is distinguished by its pioneering nature as it is the first with two official venues, the largest number of events in history with 116 disciplines and the unprecedented lighting of two cauldrons.
Italy took advantage of this platform to show itself as an authentic country that transforms everyday life into art.
The staging stood out for its careful lighting and color aesthetics, where creativity and fashion were intertwined with the performances of international figures such as Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini and Mariah Carey, who guided a musical journey from lyrical to electronic.
Milan and Cortina break the mold: The largest Winter Games in history begin
During the official protocol, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry, addressed an emotional message to the athletes, highlighting that their presence in the Games goes beyond physical performance.
Coventry stressed that athletes are an example of empathy and resilience for the world, reminding them that true strength lies in the heart and mutual respect. His words emphasized that these two weeks of competition are an opportunity to demonstrate what it means to be human in a context of healthy coexistence.
The technical deployment behind the show reflected the magnitude of the Italian commitment, with more than 700 hours of rehearsals and the making of 1,400 original costumes.
With the Olympic flag already waving and the flame illuminating both cauldrons, Milan-Cortina 2026 begins its journey not only as a dispute for medals, but as a reminder that the sports festival is a fundamental tool for the growth of a society that seeks balance and permanent union.
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