The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games mark more than just a global sporting event — they represent Italy’s continued rise on the international stage, building on the momentum first ignited by Expo 2015. Beyond athletics, the Olympics offer the country a powerful opportunity to showcase its organizational strength, cultural identity, and diplomatic presence at a time when global relationships are rapidly evolving. Hosting the Games successfully has become both a symbolic and strategic moment for Italy.
On Friday evening (Feb. 6), the world’s attention turned to the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony. While events for this edition are spread across Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno, the heart of the celebration was a spectacular three-and-a-half-hour show at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. Produced by Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony blended large-scale technology with emotional storytelling, emphasizing themes of harmony, unity, and Italian pride.
Event director Marco Balich described the vision ahead of the ceremony, noting that the show was designed to be more than a visual spectacle. Instead, it aimed to tell a human story — one rooted in beauty, peace, and shared emotion in an increasingly complex world.
Star Power, Music, and Cultural Elegance
Music played a central role throughout the evening, featuring global icons such as Mariah Carey, Laura Pausini, and Andrea Bocelli, alongside more than 500 musicians who contributed to original compositions created specifically for the event.
The festivities began earlier in the day at Teatro alla Scala, where an elegant red carpet welcomed Olympic legends and international celebrities. Among those in attendance were snowboard champion Shaun White and speed skating star Irene Schouten, joined by figures from film and fashion including Jeff Goldblum, Donatella Versace, Stanley Tucci, and Marisa Tomei.
One of the standout moments came from ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon, who attended in a sleek black suit after previously participating as a torchbearer. A former competitive figure skater for nearly a decade, he shared that while his childhood dream was to compete in the Olympics as an athlete, being present as an artist felt equally meaningful and deeply honorable.
R&B star Usher also made a surprise appearance, speaking about the powerful connection between music and sport, particularly how soundtracks help athletes find rhythm, focus, and emotional drive during competition.
Art, Heritage, and Italian Identity Take Center Stage
The ceremony officially began at 8 p.m. with a breathtaking choreographic performance by 70 dancers from the Teatro alla Scala Academy. Inspired by the myth of Cupid and Psyche, the performance moved from soft neoclassical tones — echoing the work of sculptor Antonio Canova — into a vibrant explosion of color set to music by Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.
Mariah Carey then took center stage with a dramatic reinterpretation of the Italian classic “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” (“Volare”), followed by her inspirational anthem “Nothing Is Impossible.”
A moving tribute honored legendary designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away last September. Models walked in creations reflecting the colors of the Italian flag, celebrating his lasting impact on global fashion.
Laura Pausini later delivered a powerful rendition of the Italian national anthem before the traditional Parade of Nations began — a moment that lasted more than an hour and drew emotional reactions from the crowd.
Messages of Unity, Peace, and Global Connection
The ceremony also featured powerful institutional and humanitarian messages. Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry addressed athletes and audiences, emphasizing resilience, respect, and the unifying spirit of sport.
Actress Charlize Theron, serving as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, delivered a moving monologue inspired by Nelson Mandela, reminding viewers that true peace means creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
One of the most emotional musical moments arrived as Andrea Bocelli performed “Nessun dorma” while the Olympic flame entered San Siro, reaching its dramatic peak just as the torch arrived on stage.
Rapper Ghali later delivered a simple but powerful performance, reciting Gianni Rodari’s anti-war poem Promemoria in multiple languages, reinforcing the ceremony’s overarching message of harmony and coexistence.
Following the athletes’ oaths, Olympic braziers were lit simultaneously in Milan and Cortina — officially declaring the Games open and setting the stage for weeks of competition.
From breathtaking performances to powerful messages of unity, the night captured the spirit of global connection and cultural celebration — a defining moment in A Look at the Highlights From the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.