Energetic Parade of Athletes, Celebrity Performances, and Torch Lighting: Italy Opens the 2026 Olympic Games

The opening ceremony of the XXV Winter Olympic Games was held in Milan. The Olympic competitions will be spread across two cities: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The main venue for the opening ceremony was the city of Milan, but festive events were also held in three other locations: Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

For the first time, the Olympic flame was lit in two locations: at the Peace Arch in Milan and at the Angelo Dibona Square in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is hosting the Olympic Games for the second time. The important sporting celebration was first held in this city in 1956. This is the third Winter Olympic Games in Italy. Turin hosted the games in 2006.

The XXV Winter Olympic Games will feature competitions in 16 sports. A total of 116 sets of medals will be awarded to winners.

At the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Games at the “San Siro” stadium, performances were given by five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini, famous actress Charlize Theron, renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, rapper Gali, pianist Lang Lang, and other cultural stars.

About 3,000 athletes from 93 countries will participate in the competitions.