Milan, Italy kicked off the 2026 Winter Olympics in style on Friday with a four-site ceremony that was more like a cultural extravaganza than an Olympic spectacle. The dual-cauldron opening ceremony featured tributes to Italian icons such as Da Vinci, Dante, Puccini, and Fellini, as well as nods to Italian cuisine and culture.
The event began at the San Siro soccer stadium in Milan, where athletes from around 150 countries gathered for the Parade of Nations. However, due to logistical issues, athletes from some of the first five countries – Greece, Albania, Andorra, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina – failed to show up, leaving them empty-handed.
The ceremony was attended by 61,000 ticket-holders plus others, who filled the San Siro stadium with a mix of cheers and jeers. The loudest applause came for host Italy, which walked in last, to an electronic version of "The Barber of Seville." Meanwhile, athletes from other countries received more muted receptions.
The ceremony was meant to convey themes of harmony and peace, but the presence of Vice President JD Vance on the video board sparked a backlash among American allies who have been critical of his views on foreign policy. However, athletes from countries such as Venezuela and Ukraine were warmly welcomed.
A highlight of the event came when tenor Andrea Bocelli performed Puccini's "Nessun Dorma," with its iconic refrain "Vincerò." The ceremony also featured a runway walk showcasing outfits designed by Giorgio Armani, balladeer Laura Pausini singing Italy's national anthem, and even a cameo from Mariah Carey performing in Italian.
The multi-site ceremony format allowed for various Winter Games sports to be represented without requiring athletes to travel long distances. This included Alpine skiing, bobsled, curling, and snowboarding, all of which will take place over the next two-plus weeks.
Overall, while there were some awkward moments during the ceremony, it was clear that Italy wanted to showcase its rich culture and heritage to the world.
The event began at the San Siro soccer stadium in Milan, where athletes from around 150 countries gathered for the Parade of Nations. However, due to logistical issues, athletes from some of the first five countries – Greece, Albania, Andorra, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina – failed to show up, leaving them empty-handed.
The ceremony was attended by 61,000 ticket-holders plus others, who filled the San Siro stadium with a mix of cheers and jeers. The loudest applause came for host Italy, which walked in last, to an electronic version of "The Barber of Seville." Meanwhile, athletes from other countries received more muted receptions.
The ceremony was meant to convey themes of harmony and peace, but the presence of Vice President JD Vance on the video board sparked a backlash among American allies who have been critical of his views on foreign policy. However, athletes from countries such as Venezuela and Ukraine were warmly welcomed.
A highlight of the event came when tenor Andrea Bocelli performed Puccini's "Nessun Dorma," with its iconic refrain "Vincerò." The ceremony also featured a runway walk showcasing outfits designed by Giorgio Armani, balladeer Laura Pausini singing Italy's national anthem, and even a cameo from Mariah Carey performing in Italian.
The multi-site ceremony format allowed for various Winter Games sports to be represented without requiring athletes to travel long distances. This included Alpine skiing, bobsled, curling, and snowboarding, all of which will take place over the next two-plus weeks.
Overall, while there were some awkward moments during the ceremony, it was clear that Italy wanted to showcase its rich culture and heritage to the world.
... Like, Greece and Albania are totally in the game for the Olympics, so it’s pretty sus that they skipped the Parade of Nations 
. And what was up with JD Vance on the video board tho? I don’t get why his presence caused a stir 
. I mean, Italy did its thing and all, but maybe they could’ve handled some of those awkward moments better 
... the performance by Andrea Bocelli was pretty lit though 
!
seeing all these different cultures represented like that. i loved the tributes to italian icons - da vinci, dante, etc... it felt really special 
and the music was fire 
and btw, i don't get why people are making a big deal about vice president vance on the video board 
it's just a video, not that deep 
! I love how they brought together all these iconic Italian figures like Da Vinci and Puccini, and even threw in some famous faces like Mariah Carey 
! It's clear Italy wanted to give the world a taste of their rich culture and heritage. The Parade of Nations was lit 
! However, it would've been nice if they didn't bring up Vice President Vance – that might've taken some of the shine off 
! 
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan was 
art, music, food, and fashion into one epic celebration 
. It was amazing to see all these talented artists and athletes come together 
. Some parts were a bit 
) but overall it felt like Italy wanted to share its 
country with the world 
.
especially Alpine skiing 
, bobsled 
, curling 
, and snowboarding 
. It's awesome that they got to showcase these Winter Games sports in different locations without having to travel far 
. The musical performances were amazing 
too! Andrea Bocelli is a legend 
and Mariah Carey brought the 
.
I mean, I loved the energy of the whole thing! The parade of nations had me like "yaaas, let's go!" but then I saw those countries missing out on the ceremony and it was just... weird 
. But overall, it was great to see Italy celebrating its culture and heritage with so much love and passion 
.
those athletes must be feeling pretty cringy not showin up 
but on the bright side, Italy killed it with the ceremony 
Mariah Carey slaying in Italian too 
its all about spreadin positivity & unity, right? 
. I mean, it's one thing to have some countries not show up, but another to have it be due to "logistical issues" – sounds like a cop-out to me 
.
.
And what's with leaving out some countries? Greece and Albania are like, major parts of Europe or something... 
. However, I couldn't help but notice the somewhat awkward silences that followed certain nations' absence from the Parade of Nations 
. It's interesting to see how international diplomacy can sometimes take precedence over ceremony protocols 
.
i mean i love her but like what's up with that? anyway i loved the musical performances, Andrea Bocelli is such a legend 
overall it looks like Italy pulled off an epic opening ceremony 
️
. But at the same time, I love how Italy went all out to showcase its culture - from Da Vinci to Mariah Carey 
. And oh man, I loved the cultural nods to Da Vinci, Puccini, and Fellini - it really brought the house down when Andrea Bocelli sang that Nessun Dorma stuff 
. Like, I get it, the Olympics are about sports and all that, but come on, don't bring your politics to the party 
. But seriously, I think the whole ceremony could've been streamlined a bit better to avoid all the awkward moments 
. Oh well, at least Italy's culture was on full display 
. And who can blame them for going all out like this? I mean, they're hosting the Olympics in their own backyard, after all! 