Italy opens Milano Cortina Winter Games

Italy opened the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics with a polished, colourful ceremony staged across Milan and co-host Cortina d’Ampezzo, linking the city’s fashion and cultural heritage with the mountain traditions of the Dolomites. President Sergio Mattarella formally declared the Games open at Milan’s San Siro stadium; for the first time two Olympic cauldrons were lit simultaneously — one at Milan’s Arco della Pace by former champions Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni, and another in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona lit by Sofia Goggia.

A global pop performance by Mariah Carey, who sang “Nel blu, dipinto di blu,” opened the show, which blended large-scale projections, coordinated lighting and choreography to evoke Italy’s urban and alpine landscapes. The ceremony paid tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani and emphasised themes of national identity, unity and sustainability, noting extensive use of existing venues and temporary infrastructure across the Games’ 22,000-square-kilometre footprint, including events in Livigno and Predazzo.

Athletes paraded in multiple venues, greeted by cheering crowds and widespread social-media coverage; Italy’s delegation received particularly strong support. Organisers framed the event as a balance of elegance and storytelling rather than extravagance, highlighting commitments to environmental consciousness and legacy benefits from upgraded regional infrastructure. Security measures were visible but described as unobtrusive, reflecting years of planning and coordination across regions and national authorities.

Speeches underscored sport’s capacity to bring people together amid global challenges, while organisers defended the multi-site format as an opportunity for broader community involvement despite logistical complexity flagged by critics. Reactions praised the ceremony’s polished execution and effective mix of technology and culture, with commentators noting memorable moments such as the twin cauldron lighting and fireworks finale.

With the flame now burning and competitions under way, attention shifts to athletic performances and medal contests expected to draw global viewership and to test the host nation’s ability to manage a sprawling, multi-regional Games while pursuing tourism and legacy goals.