The opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games in 16 photos

Designed as a cultural showcase, the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony highlighted Italy’s artistic wealth. Music, cinema, fashion, and design intertwined in a series of spectacular scenes celebrating Made in Italy. References to the Renaissance rubbed shoulders with contemporary creations, illustrating the country’s ability to reinvent itself without denying its heritage. This Olympic opening ceremony reminded us why Italy remains a global benchmark in terms of culture, aesthetics, and creativity.

Music played a central role in the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games. From orchestral performances to pop acts, each piece accompanied a key moment in the Olympic narrative. The choice of international and Italian artists underscored the universal dimension of the event, capable of bringing people together across borders. The evening’s soundtrack served as an emotional thread, amplifying the moments of celebration, contemplation, and wonder that punctuated this memorable opening.

One of the highlights was the performance by Mariah Carey, a prestigious international guest. Accompanied by a symphony orchestra, she delivered an emotional performance specially adapted for the event, embodying the universality and unifying power of music.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony made a lasting impression with its technological audacity. Synchronized drones, immersive screens, and cutting-edge visual effects transformed the stadium into a veritable digital theater. Each segment was designed to immerse the viewer in the heart of the story being told, without ever overshadowing the human element and emotion. This combination of innovation and poetry modernized the Olympic ritual while respecting its fundamental symbols, from the parade of nations to the lighting of the flame.

The world of fashion was honored with the appearance of Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti during a segment celebrating Made in Italy. Dressed in a spectacular creation, she symbolized the global influence of Italian fashion, subtly integrated into the Olympic identity.

The opening ceremony placed youth at the heart of its message. Dancers, athletes, and artists from various regions of Italy embodied a generation focused on inclusion, creativity, and commitment. The scenes highlighted the country’s cultural and social diversity, while recalling the fundamental values of Olympism: respect, solidarity, and pushing oneself to new heights. This artistic choice reinforced the idea that the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games celebrate not only sport, but also the future.

Emotion was palpable throughout the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony. From discreet tributes to past generations to moments of collective communion, each scene seemed designed to touch the audience. The lighting of the Olympic flame, the highlight of the evening, was greeted with respectful silence followed by an explosion of applause. This moment served as a reminder that, despite the spectacle and technology, the essence of the Games remains deeply human.

The opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games gave pride of place to Italian fashion, a pillar of the country’s cultural identity. The costumes worn by the artists and extras paid tribute to the great fashion houses and Italian textile expertise, with elegant cuts, fine fabrics, and contemporary silhouettes. The presence of renowned models and designers transformed the stadium into a veritable catwalk, celebrating Made in Italy as an art form in its own right. This sequence served as a reminder of Italy’s global influence in the world of fashion, even at the heart of a sporting event.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the elegant reimagining of the parade of nations. Each delegation was presented in a unique visual setting, accompanied by subtle artistic elements evoking the universality of the Games.

Italy, the host country, received a special ovation, marking the official start of its role at the center of world Olympism. This parade embodied the spirit of brotherhood and peace that remains at the heart of the Olympic movement.

Thanks to ambitious scenography, the show navigated between contemporary architecture and alpine landscapes, recalling the dual identity of these Games. Monumental projections, artistic performances, and fluid narration underscored the importance of the Italian territory, where modernity dialogues with nature. This opening set the tone for Games deeply rooted in their environment, while remaining resolutely forward-looking.

The show struck a balance between tradition and innovation, local identity and global reach. By offering an opening ceremony that was both spectacular and meaningful, Italy laid the foundations for a promising Olympic Games, set to leave a lasting mark on the history of the Winter Games.

Dance played a central role in the narrative of the Milan-Cortina 2026 opening ceremony. Choreography combining contemporary dance, ballet, and urban movements illustrated Italian energy, diversity, and creativity. Performed by dozens of dancers, these choreographed scenes conveyed the values of Olympism without words: unity, pushing oneself beyond one’s limits, and solidarity. Dance served as a bridge between generations and cultures, giving the show a deeply human dimension. These performances proved that the moving body remains one of the most powerful means of expression on the world stage.

Italian actress Matilda De Angelis provided the narrative thread for the ceremony. Through a series of poetic scenes, she guided the audience on a journey through the culture, cinema, and contemporary soul of Italy, embodying a committed and artistic youth.

With artistic performances, visual innovations, and moments of sporting communion, Milan-Cortina 2026 launched its Games with a resolutely contemporary ceremony, celebrating both Italian excellence and the universal spirit of Olympism.