The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame, a tradition rooted in the ancient games of Greece, will take place once again as preparations are made for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The iconic flame, which signifies purity and the continuity of the Olympic spirit, will be ignited in Ancient Olympia, linking the historic roots of the Games to contemporary global competition.
The event is set to commence on Wednesday, with the flame traveling from Olympia to Milan’s San Siro Stadium, starting on February 6. This journey will traverse numerous Italian cities and cultural landmarks, carried by an estimated 10,000 torchbearers during the relay.
Weather conditions play a critical role in the lighting ceremony. The modern tradition of igniting the flame began in Athens in 1896 but was standardized in the 1930s. A concave mirror is used to focus sunlight, creating the sacred flame. However, cloudy weather can pose challenges, as a lack of direct sunlight would prevent the flame from being kindled. Organizers have previously prepared for such challenges by keeping a pre-lit flame on hand, ready to relight torches that may extinguish during the relay.
The ceremony itself features a highly choreographed performance, led by a high priestess alongside a cast of actors and dancers dressed in traditional garb. These performers have rehearsed extensively to ensure their movements reflect ancient traditions and aesthetics. At the ceremony’s peak, the high priestess invokes the ancient god Apollo, seeking divine favor for the athletes and peace for humanity.
Once the flame is lit, it will embark on a remarkable 63-day journey through Italy, covering 12,000 kilometers and passing through 60 cities, as well as highlighting numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. The sleek torch known as “Essenziale,” crafted in Italy out of recycled aluminum and powered by renewable gas, underscores a commitment to sustainability for the event.
Simultaneously, the Paralympic flame will begin its own journey, starting from Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England on February 24. This flame, which celebrates the origins of the Paralympic movement, will travel 2,000 kilometers and be united with flames lit at various Flame Festivals across Italy before the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics on March 6.
As the countdown to the Winter Games continues, the ceremonial flame’s journey embodies the values of hope, unity, and resilience, uniting athletes and spectators around the world in celebration of the spirit of competition. This ancient ritual not only reinforces the history of the Olympic Games but also inspires future generations to embrace the ideals of sport and camaraderie.