A Spectacular Start: Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Launch with Dual Cauldrons & Star Power
The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially commenced with a breathtaking opening ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium on February 6th, marking Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Games. The event blended technological innovation with cultural heritage, witnessed by 60,000 attendees and delegations from over 90 nations.
An Italian Celebration with Global Reach
Produced by Balich Wonder Studio – renowned for designing ceremonies at Rio 2016 and Sochi 2014 – the spectacle featured 1,400 custom costumes, 1,000 props, and 500 musicians. As International Olympic Committee records show, this ranks among the most elaborate Winter Olympics openings in history. The “diffuse games” concept highlighted seven host locations across northern Italy, including Cortina d’Ampezzo and Verona (closing ceremony venue).
Musical Tributes and Humanitarian Recognition
The ceremony balanced celebration with remembrance:
- Mariah Carey performed the Italian classic “Volare” (Nel blu dipinto di blu)
- Laura Pausini delivered the Olympic anthem
- Andrea Bocelli honored Luciano Pavarotti with “Nessun Dorma”
- A vibrant tribute celebrated entertainer Raffaella Carrà
Humanitarian figures carried the Olympic flag, including:
- Tadatoshi Akiba (Hiroshima’s former mayor and nuclear disarmament advocate)
- Cindy Ngamba (first refugee team medalist, per IOC records)
- Rebeca Andrade (Olympic gymnast and women’s rights activist)
Historic Dual Cauldrons
Breaking with tradition, organizers lit two synchronized flames:
| Location | Design Inspiration | Technical Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Arco della Pace, Milan | Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical “nodes” | Aeronautical aluminum structure (3.1-4.5m diameter) |
| Piazza Dibona, Cortina | Dolomite mountain peaks | Hydrogen-fueled flame |
Controversies and Catalans
Despite the celebrations, environmental groups protested infrastructure impacts, particularly in the fragile Dolomites region. Meanwhile, Spanish flag bearer Quim Salarich (32, from Vic) executed his duties flawlessly after expressing concerns about handling the banner. He leads Spain’s 43-athlete delegation according to Spanish Olympic Committee data.
A Political Stage
High-profile attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seated in reserved sections. Ticket prices reaching €490 ($530) didn’t deter near-capacity crowds at the 80,000-seat stadium.
As the flames begin their 16-day journey, all eyes turn to competition venues where 3,000 athletes will chase Olympic glory. The Games conclude February 22nd in Verona’s ancient Arena amphitheater.
Source: Diario de Ibiza coverage
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es