Milano Cortina 2026: A Spectacle of Harmony and Heritage at the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics represent a definitive milestone in Italy’s ongoing cultural and international resurgence. Building on the momentum sparked by Expo 2015, these Games serve as a vital platform for Italy to showcase its logistical mastery and symbolic influence within a rapidly shifting global landscape.
On the evening of February 6, the world’s attention converged on a three-and-a-half-hour cinematic extravaganza. While the Games span venues across Cortina d’Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno, the heart of the celebration beat within Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. The ceremony was orchestrated by the renowned Balich Wonder Studio, a firm celebrated for its peerless expertise in high-concept Olympic creative direction.
A Masterclass in Italian Artistry
The production was anchored in the dual themes of “Italianness” and “Harmony.” Creative lead Marco Balich emphasized that the event was designed to be more than a display of technical prowess; it was an emotional narrative intended to project beauty and peace to a fractured world.
The musical tapestry of the night featured a staggering ensemble of over 500 musicians, punctuated by performances from global titans including Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini. The festivities commenced earlier that afternoon at the historic Teatro Alla Scala, where a star-studded red carpet welcomed sports legends like Shaun White and Irene Schouten alongside cultural luminaries such as Jeff Goldblum, Donatella Versace, and Stanley Tucci.
Among the notable arrivals was Sunghoon of the K-Pop group ENHYPEN. A former competitive figure skater turned global pop idol, Sunghoon shared his unique perspective: “Both athletes and K-Pop artists strive to bring joy to their fans. Having been a competitive skater for a decade, it is a profound honor to return to the Olympic stage in this new capacity.”
R&B legend Usher also made a surprise appearance, noting the symbiotic relationship between sound and sport. “Music provides the essential pulse for athletes, especially in disciplines like figure skating, acting as a catalyst that pushes them toward greatness,” he remarked.
Iconic Performances and Cultural Tributes
The ceremony officially launched at 8 p.m. with a neoclassical dance performance by 70 members of the Academy of Teatro Alla Scala. The dancers reinterpreted the myth of Cupid and Psyche, their attire echoing the marble textures of Antonio Canova’s sculptures before erupting into a vibrant celebration set to the scores of Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.
Global superstar Mariah Carey captivated the audience from center stage, delivering a high-octane, rearranged rendition of Domenico Modugno’s classic “Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu” (Volare), showcasing her legendary vocal range. She followed the tribute with an inspiring performance of her original hit, “Nothing Is Impossible.”
The evening also featured a poignant tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, the titan of Italian fashion who passed away last September. Models paraded his signature designs in a tricolor palette of green, white, and red, honoring his enduring legacy. Following this, pop sensation Laura Pausini stood beneath the national colors to deliver a stirring performance of the Italian national anthem, leading into the traditional parade of nations.
Messages of Unity and Peace
The institutional segment of the night was marked by powerful rhetoric. Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina Foundation, addressed the athletes directly: “During a time of global division, your presence here proves that a different world—one defined by unity and respect—is possible.”
Kirsty Coventry, representing the International Olympic Committee, echoed these sentiments, noting that athletes serve as a reminder of human resilience. The message of peace was further amplified by actress Charlize Theron, a UN Messenger of Peace, who delivered a monologue inspired by Nelson Mandela, defining peace as an environment where all people can flourish regardless of their background.
A Climax of Fire and Poetry
The arrival of the Olympic flame was synchronized with a breathtaking performance of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” by world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. As Bocelli reached the final, triumphant high note, the flame reached the stage, igniting the stadium’s energy.
In one of the most talked-about moments of the night, rapper Ghali delivered a minimalist yet profound performance. Eschewing spectacle, he recited Gianni Rodari’s poem “Promemoria” in Italian, French, and English. The verses offered a stark, powerful anti-war sentiment: “There are things you should never do… for example, war.”
The evening concluded with the simultaneous lighting of the Olympic Braziers in Milan and Cortina, officially commencing the 2026 Winter Games.
This content was adapted from original reporting by Billboard Italy.
