Heraldic Workshop from the Art Studio "Traditions of Times"

The evening of February 6, 2026, at the San Siro Stadium in Milan became a veritable cultural showcase, where sport, music, and art formed a single story told to the world. The Opening Ceremony of the XXV Olympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina 2026 was a grand artistic spectacle, filled with names familiar not only to music fans but also to those who follow contemporary culture. The evening's theme, "Armonia" (Harmony), became the central thread of the ceremony, linking the different corners of Italy, culture and sport, past and future. It could be felt in every element, from the musical accents to the chosen symbols and visual imagery. This idea was built into the concept of the performances, which sought to demonstrate that the Olympics are not just a competition but also a shared rhythm of humanity, an attempt to find common ground between different cultures through movement and beauty. One of the most emotional moments was the lighting of the two Olympic torches. For the first time in the history of the Winter Olympic Games, they were lit simultaneously in two cities: at the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace) in Milan and in Piazza Dibona in Cortina d'Ampezzo. This symbolized the unity of several locations and the connection between the city's dynamic and the mountainous landscapes where the competitions would be held. This time, the torch in Cortina d'Ampezzo was picked up by Italian alpine skier Sofia Goggia, an Olympic downhill champion. And in Milan, the honor of lighting the Olympic flame fell to alpine skiers Deborah Compagnoni and Alberto Tomba.

As for the performances, one of the evening's highlights was Mariah Carey. The American singer and multiple Grammy winner opened the program with a vibrant rendition of the Italian classic "Nel blu, dipinto di blu" (known as Volare). She then treated the audience to her contemporary hit "Nothing Is Impossible." This musical performance immediately set the emotional tone for the entire event, combining classical Italian melodies with global pop culture. Another musical highlight was the performance of Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli. His voice resonated across the stadium as he performed excerpts from the famous aria "Nessun Dorma," filling the space with solemnity and grandeur. A highlight of the program was the performance of Laura Pausini, one of the most recognizable Italian singers of our time. It was she who performed the Italian anthem Fratelli d’Italia before the official opening of the 2026 Olympic Games.

The ceremony wasn't all about music. Actress Sabrina Impacciatore brought dramatic energy to the show with a dynamic dance routine that visually reflected the centennial of the Winter Olympic Games, from the first competitions to the present day. This performance celebrated the historical depth of the Olympic movement and demonstrated how theater and dance can tell a story without words. Models in costumes in the colors of the Italian flag also told another story as they walked across the Olympic arena, thus honoring the memory of Giorgio Armani. The celebrated designer, a symbol of Italian cultural identity, whose aesthetics have shaped the image of Italy worldwide for decades.

The evening also included performances by such notable artists as Cecilia Bartoli, the world-renowned Italian mezzo-soprano; Lang Lang, the Chinese pianist whose virtuoso performances provided an international touch amidst Italian voices; and Ghali, the Italian rapper and musician whose popular music has become a fashionable bridge between youth culture and the Olympic program. The official opening concluded with Italian President Sergio Mattarella declaring the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games open, emphasizing the idea of ​​"Armonia"—the harmony of different cultures, languages, and people gathered in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo to begin a sporting journey that will last several weeks. The Olympics presents itself to the world as not only a physical but also an emotional phenomenon, inviting us to be part of history that is still being written.

Photos from resources instagram milanocortina2026 , andreabocelliofficial