The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, will not only be the most geographically spread-out Olympics in history, but the opening ceremony on February 6 will also break new ground by taking place in multiple locations. Organizers announced that, for the first time, the Parade of Nations will include venues in Milan’s San Siro Stadium and three additional locations: Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno. This innovative concept aims to ensure that athletes from every discipline can participate, regardless of the distances involved between venues.
With up to 60,000 spectators expected at San Siro Stadium, the event will serve as a grand invitation to the world, according to Andrea Varnier, the CEO of the organizing committee. He emphasized that while each nation may favor different events, the Opening Ceremony stands out as the singular moment that embodies the spirit of the Games, welcoming athletes from diverse backgrounds and sports.
Athletes competing in various disciplines will be able to join the parade at the closest venue. For instance, biathletes in Anterselva will have the opportunity to participate in Cortina, while alpine skiers from Bormio can join the ceremony in Livigno, which is conveniently located 45 minutes away and hosts snowboarding and freestyle skiing events. Each nation will be allowed two flagbearers, with Italy, as the host, having four.
The Olympic flame will burn in two different locations: at the Arco della Pace in Milan and in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona. The design of the caldrons is still under wraps. The theme for the Opening Ceremony has been set as “Harmony,” reflecting the dual nature of urban and mountainous venues, and serving as a call for peace amid global tensions.
Marco Balich, the producer behind both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, expressed hope that this event would send a strong message of peace. The ceremony will also pay homage to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at 91 in September. Armani has a storied history of designing uniforms for the Italian national team and was a close friend of a past president of the Italian National Olympic Committee.
“In addition to showcasing the harmony of the event, the ceremony will also reflect Italian style and beauty,” said Giovanni Malagò, the president of the local organizing committee. He anticipates a poignant moment during the ceremony to honor Armani, highlighting the emotional aspect of the event.
San Siro Stadium itself will play a central role in the ceremony. While its future as a sports venue is uncertain as plans for a new stadium emerge, its hosting of the Olympic Ceremony is a remarkable honor, underscoring its significance in Milan’s history.
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics promise to be a groundbreaking celebration of sport and culture, emphasizing unity and creativity in a time when the world needs it most.