The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics officially opened on Friday with a grand ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, marking the beginning of the February 6–22 Games. The glittering spectacle, complemented by parallel festivities across venues in the Italian Alps, underscored the scale and ambition of what organisers describe as the most geographically widespread Winter Olympics in history.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic lighting of two Olympic cauldrons — one at the Arch of Peace in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the alpine resort located approximately 400 kilometres from Milan that will host the women’s alpine skiing events. The dual lighting reflected the shared-host model adopted for these Games, designed to highlight both urban and mountain settings.
The evening’s programme paid tribute to Italy’s cultural legacy. Performers at the San Siro wore elaborate headpieces representing the great masters of Italian opera — Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and Gioachino Rossini — while musical performances blended classical and contemporary influences. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli received a standing ovation for his rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” and international pop star Mariah Carey performed “Volare” in Italian along with “Nothing is Impossible,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
A segment of the show also honoured the late fashion icon Giorgio Armani. Dozens of models crossed the stage in tailored trouser suits in red, green and white, echoing the Italian flag and celebrating the country’s influence on global fashion and design.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella formally declared the Games open after International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry addressed the athletes, urging them to embody courage, resilience and kindness throughout the competition. Her remarks emphasised unity and determination, values central to the Olympic movement.
Approximately 2,900 athletes are participating in the Games. In a departure from tradition, competitors paraded in venues closest to where they will compete, an approach aimed at reducing travel demands and minimising logistical strain. Organisers say the format reflects a commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
While the ceremony was largely celebratory, it was not without controversy. Loud boos were heard from sections of the crowd when US Vice President JD Vance appeared on the stadium’s big screen. However, the United States team received strong applause during the traditional parade of nations, highlighting a distinction between political reactions and support for athletes.
In recent days, public debate in Italy has centred on the presence of agents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency as part of security arrangements for the American delegation. The Italian government has clarified that these agents will not have operational authority on Italian soil, stating that domestic security remains under national control. Nonetheless, the issue has sparked discussion among political commentators and sections of the public.
The opening ceremony also drew significant attention in Russia, where the event was broadcast nationally. Russian athletes are competing under a neutral flag, a status imposed by the International Olympic Committee following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The IOC’s decision barred the Russian team from competing under its national colours and anthem, although eligible athletes have been allowed to participate as neutral competitors.
Within Russia and among some international voices, there have been renewed calls for the country to be reinstated under its own flag. However, the geopolitical context remains unchanged, with the conflict in Ukraine ongoing. The IOC has maintained its position that participation conditions will continue to reflect broader international circumstances.
The Milan-Cortina Games represent a significant moment for Italy, which last hosted the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006. Organisers have highlighted the opportunity to showcase Italy’s alpine regions, cultural heritage and infrastructure capabilities. The shared-host format between Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is intended to distribute economic benefits and tourism exposure across multiple regions.
Cortina, long regarded as one of Europe’s premier ski destinations, has undergone infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the Games. The resort’s role in hosting women’s alpine skiing events underscores its historic association with winter sports, having previously hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Security has been a key focus for Italian authorities, given the scale of the event and the presence of high-profile political and sporting figures. Law enforcement agencies have coordinated closely with international partners to ensure safety across venues in both urban and mountain settings.
Beyond the ceremony’s spectacle, attention now turns to competition across disciplines including alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, bobsleigh and biathlon. Organisers expect the Games to attract millions of global viewers, reinforcing the Winter Olympics as one of the world’s most prominent sporting events.
For Italy, the Games present both an opportunity and a challenge. Success will be measured not only in medals but also in logistical execution, international perception and long-term economic impact. Officials have emphasised sustainability, legacy planning and regional development as central pillars of the event’s planning framework.
As athletes prepare to compete over the coming weeks, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics begin against a backdrop of celebration, political undertones and global scrutiny. The opening ceremony’s blend of artistry, tradition and modern spectacle set the tone for what organisers hope will be a memorable and smoothly run edition of the Games.
Africa Live News will continue to provide updates and in-depth coverage throughout the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
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