The focal point of the evening was the opening ceremony at Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium, where nearly 80,000 spectators gathered. In a first for the Olympic Games, the Parade of Nations unfolded simultaneously across four host cities—Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno. Separated by hundreds of kilometers, the venues were united through a live broadcast, signaling a new, multi-centered vision of the Olympics.
The musical program paid tribute to Italy’s cultural legacy in all its richness, moving seamlessly from Vivaldi and Rossini to contemporary sounds. Performances by Mariah Carey and Italian rapper Ghali set the modern tone, while the emotional peak of the night came with Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of Nessun dorma from Puccini’s Turandot—a moment already being described as one of the most moving in Olympic history.
Fashion played a defining role in the ceremony’s narrative. A runway-style presentation in the colors of the Italian flag showcased designs by Armani, honoring the late Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September at the age of 91. The fashion house serves as the official outfitter of Italy’s Olympic team for the 2026 Games.
The evening concluded with a historic gesture: the Olympic flame was lit simultaneously in two locations—at the Arch of Peace in Milan and in Piazza Dibona in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It marked the first time in Olympic history that the flame was ignited in more than one place at once.
The closing ceremony will take place in Verona’s ancient Roman amphitheater, more than 2,000 years old, making this the first Olympic Games to conclude at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ukraine will be represented at the 2026 Games by 46 athletes competing in 11 disciplines, including biathlon, freestyle skiing, figure skating, and short track speed skating. The country’s strongest presence will be in biathlon and luge, with ten athletes competing in each sport.
