The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina officially began on February 6, 2026, with an opening ceremony that blended art, music, culture, and sport into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant event.

While the main stage was the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, the ceremony unfolded across multiple locations, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo — a bold, multi-city concept that made this one of the most innovative Olympic opening ceremonies to date.

Armonia: A Theme Rooted in Harmony

The creative concept behind the opening ceremony was “Armonia”, the Italian word for harmony. The theme focused on unity through diversity, reflecting how different cultures, sounds, and traditions can come together through sport.

Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the ceremony emphasized emotion, rhythm, and shared human experience — values that sit at the heart of the Olympic movement. The idea of harmony was expressed through choreography, lighting, visual storytelling, and, most powerfully, music.

Star Performances That Defined the Night

One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came from Mariah Carey, who delivered a memorable performance of “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)”. The iconic song, deeply connected to Italian cultural heritage, resonated strongly with both European and international audiences and instantly became one of the ceremony’s defining highlights.

The musical program also featured some of Italy’s most celebrated artists:

Andrea Bocelli, whose powerful tenor added emotional depth and grandeur

Laura Pausini, bringing a modern international touch to the ceremony

Cecilia Bartoli and Lang Lang, who performed the Olympic Hymn with classical elegance

Together, these performances reinforced Italy’s reputation as a global cultural powerhouse and gave the ceremony a timeless, cinematic quality.

Iconic Olympic Moments: Flags, Fire, and Global Unity

As with every Olympic opening ceremony, the Parade of Nations remained a central and deeply symbolic moment. Athletes from around the world entered the stadium under their national flags, highlighting the global scale and unifying spirit of the Games.

The official opening declaration was delivered by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, formally marking the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

A particularly meaningful moment took place in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the Olympic flame was lit by Sofia Goggia, one of Italy’s most celebrated alpine skiers. The choice reflected both national pride and the strong connection between the Games and Italy’s winter sports legacy.

Why the Milan–Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony Is Worth Rewatching

Olympic opening ceremonies are designed to be more than one-time events — they often become cultural time capsules. The Milan–Cortina ceremony stands out for its balance of scale and intimacy, spectacle and emotion.

For viewers in the United States, the opening ceremony is available through NBC and Peacock, which hold the exclusive broadcasting and streaming rights as part of NBCUniversal’s long-term Olympic partnership.

International viewers can access the ceremony via their local Olympic broadcasters or official Olympic platforms.

Rewatching the ceremony allows viewers to catch subtle artistic details, musical transitions, and symbolic moments that are easy to miss during a live broadcast.

The Lasting Legacy of Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Years after the medals are awarded, opening ceremonies often remain one of the most revisited and remembered aspects of the Olympic Games. They capture how a host country chooses to present itself to the world — its values, history, creativity, and vision for the future.

The Milan–Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony, with its theme of harmony, world-class performances, and innovative multi-location design, has all the ingredients to become one of those ceremonies people return to — not just for nostalgia, but for inspiration.

Sources: EW.com, Wikipedia, AP News