Get ready for history: the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on February 6 will break new ground by spanning four venues across Italy’s mountains and cityscapes, redefining how fans and athletes experience the magic.
Unprecedented Spread
The Parade of Nations will feature athletes led by their national flagbearers not just in Milan’s San Siro Stadium (60,000 seats) but, for the first time in Olympic history, in Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno. This distributed format ensures every competitor, no matter how remote their event, can share the spotlight.
From Stadium to Summit
Events run from February 6 to 22 across Lombardy and Veneto plus the autonomous provinces of Alto Adige and Trentino. With several hours of driving between venues, the multi-site ceremony lets biathletes in Anterselva join nearby Cortina, while alpine skiers racing in Bormio can hop into Livigno in just 45 minutes.
Two Flames, One Message
Each nation names two flagbearers who can appear in two venues (Italy, as host, gets four). The Olympic flame itself will burn in dual caldrons at Milan’s Arco della Pace and Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. Though the final caldron designs are under wraps, organizers promise a stunning visual to match the theme: Harmony.
Harmony Amid Global Tensions
"The Opening Ceremony is the entrance way, an invitation," says Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina Organizing Committee. "It is the moment that defines that edition of the Games, in their spirit." Veteran producer Marco Balich, on his 16th Olympics and Paralympics, adds, "If I can achieve that, and send a strong message of peace, I think that we will achieve our goal."
A Tribute to Armani
While headliners are still under wraps, a special moment will honor the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away last September at age 91. Expect couture flair woven into a ceremony that bridges urban and Alpine worlds.
As young global citizens, entrepreneurs, changemakers and digital nomads tune in, the 2026 Opening Ceremony promises a fresh, immersive experience—a true celebration of sport, culture and connectivity.
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Milan-Cortina Olympic opening ceremony will spread across regions
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