The 2026 Winter Olympics officially began with a spectacular opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro stadium, attended by 60,000 spectators. The event featured performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Lang Lang, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Arco della Pace. An identical cauldron was also lit in Cortina at Piazza Angelo Dibona.
The ceremony included a mix of tradition and modernity, with Italian rapper Ghali performing Gianni Rodari's 'Memorandum' in four languages, and actress Charlize Theron reading words by Nelson Mandela. The Olympic flag was carried by a selection of notable individuals, while former footballers Franco Baresi and Beppe Bergomi were among the torchbearers.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry addressed the athletes, urging them to be proud and enjoy the experience. She highlighted the values of courage, empathy, and heart. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also spoke, and the ceremony featured a performance of 'Nessun Dorma' by Andrea Bocelli.
The event showcased Italy's cultural heritage, with a segment on Italian hand gestures and a journey through Winter Olympics history from 1924 to the 1980s. The athletes' parade saw teams entering in their national attire, with Italy's delegation, clad in Armani, receiving the biggest cheer.
The games proper begin tomorrow, with Great Britain facing Canada in mixed curling at 9:05am.
