The 2026 Winter Olympics have kicked off in grand style across Italy’s iconic venues, marking the official start of the Milano Cortina Games. The Opening Ceremony unfolded on February 6 at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, with simultaneous celebrations in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo, uniting athletes from over 90 nations in a historic multi-city spectacle themed “Armonia” (Harmony).
Performers including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Lang Lang lit up the stage, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella declared the Games open amid dazzling displays of Italian culture, innovation, and peace symbolism. Two Olympic cauldrons—one at Milan’s Arco della Pace and another in Cortina—were ignited for the first time ever, symbolizing unity between host cities. Competitions began February 4, but the ceremony signaled full commencement, running through February 22 with 116 medal events across 14 sports.
Team USA flagbearers Erin Jackson (speedskating) and Frank Del Duca (bobsled) led the parade, as stars like Mikaela Shiffrin prepare for alpine action. Now on Day 4 (February 10), highlights include women’s team combined skiing with Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson, cross-country sprints, and U.S. curling gold bids amid nine medal sessions. The event showcases sustainability, with venues blending historic sites and new eco-facilities in the Lombardy and Veneto regions.
