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 being the last to be brought out to huge cheers in all four locations. Figure skater Lilah Fear was the Great Britain flagbearer in Milan, while bobsledder Brad Hall had the honor in Cortina. Other nations, especially Ukraine, received warm welcomes, while Team USA was also widely cheered. However, there were boos for US Vice President JD Vance when he appeared on the big screen, alongside negative reactions for the Israel and Georgia teams.
Before the parade, creative director Marco Balich's show was based on the principle of 'armonia' - promoting union, connection, and shared vision. It featured segments celebrating 'Italian beauty' and included a heartfelt tribute to fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away in 2025.
Mariah Carey, one of the world's best-selling female artists, mesmerized the audience in a sparkling white outfit while performing a version of Volare. Giovanni Malago, president of the organizing committee, proudly expressed a desire to make Olympic history while showcasing Italy's capabilities in executing such a complex project. The ceremony was remarkable, not only for its cultural richness but also for being proclaimed open by Kirsty Coventry, the first female IOC president. Coventry's inspiring words emphasized the Olympic spirit of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity.
While events such as curling, figure skating, and ice hockey have already begun, the first five gold medals of the Games will be won on Saturday.
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 being the last to be brought out to huge cheers in all four locations. Figure skater Lilah Fear was the Great Britain flagbearer in Milan, while bobsledder Brad Hall had the honor in Cortina. Other nations, especially Ukraine, received warm welcomes, while Team USA was also widely cheered. However, there were boos for US Vice President JD Vance when he appeared on the big screen, alongside negative reactions for the Israel and Georgia teams.
Before the parade, creative director Marco Balich's show was based on the principle of 'armonia' - promoting union, connection, and shared vision. It featured segments celebrating 'Italian beauty' and included a heartfelt tribute to fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away in 2025.
Mariah Carey, one of the world's best-selling female artists, mesmerized the audience in a sparkling white outfit while performing a version of Volare. Giovanni Malago, president of the organizing committee, proudly expressed a desire to make Olympic history while showcasing Italy's capabilities in executing such a complex project. The ceremony was remarkable, not only for its cultural richness but also for being proclaimed open by Kirsty Coventry, the first female IOC president. Coventry's inspiring words emphasized the Olympic spirit of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity.
While events such as curling, figure skating, and ice hockey have already begun, the first five gold medals of the Games will be won on Saturday.
