The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicked off Friday with a four-site, dual-cauldron opening ceremony that showcased the beauty of Italian culture. The event featured tributes to Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Puccini, and Fellini, as well as performances by Mariah Carey singing her hit song "Volare."
However, the ceremony also faced some unexpected issues, including zero competitors from any of the first five countries showing up at the main hub in Milan's San Siro soccer stadium. The parade of nations was held instead at the mountain locales for these Winter Games, which is unprecedented.
Meanwhile, fashion played a major role in the ceremony with Italian designer Giorgio Armani and filmmaker Federico Fellini being honored during the event. Fashion has always been an important part of the Olympics, from team uniforms to individual looks on the slopes.
The ceremony also included performances by singers Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, as well as a special message by former Olympic champion skiers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni who lit the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina respectively.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Milan-Cortina Games open following a speech by International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to lead the IOC.
However, the ceremony also faced some unexpected issues, including zero competitors from any of the first five countries showing up at the main hub in Milan's San Siro soccer stadium. The parade of nations was held instead at the mountain locales for these Winter Games, which is unprecedented.
Meanwhile, fashion played a major role in the ceremony with Italian designer Giorgio Armani and filmmaker Federico Fellini being honored during the event. Fashion has always been an important part of the Olympics, from team uniforms to individual looks on the slopes.
The ceremony also included performances by singers Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, as well as a special message by former Olympic champion skiers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni who lit the Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina respectively.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Milan-Cortina Games open following a speech by International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman to lead the IOC.
. And, yeah, I get that fashion was a big deal, but can we talk about how weird it is that they had to do the parade of nations at two separate locations? I mean, isn't the whole point of the Olympics to have everyone in one place? 
Also, Giorgio Armani and Federico Fellini getting honored makes sense since they're both from Italy, but what about other famous Italian artists or scientists like Galileo or Michelangelo? They should've at least made a mention! 
I'm a bit miffed that zero top countries showed up at all 
, especially since they're like the OGs of Winter Sports 
... it feels like they're not really invested in this thing anymore 
. But hey, the fashion was fire 
, and the performances were lit 
. And I love that they honored some Italian legends like da Vinci and Fellini 
... it's always dope to see culture shine through in events like this 
. On another note, what's up with the parade of nations being moved to the mountains? It's not exactly the most iconic Olympic experience 
... but I guess that's just progress or something 
.
italian designers and artists gettin all the love tho 
giorgio armani and federico fellini are legends 
mariah carey singing "volare" was a nice touch though 
but seriously whats goin on with these countries just ghostin the games? 
I mean, I love the opening ceremony, it was so classy and fancy! But I gotta ask, where were all those athletes from? It's kinda weird that none of the top countries showed up 
. I mean, it was cool and all, but I'm still tryin' to figure out why they had the parade of nations at the mountain locales instead of in Milan 
... Did you know that only 2% of the total participating nations sent athletes to the main event in Milan? 
It's like Italy's trying to say "Hey, our mountains are where it's at!" 
$5 billion already and that's just for the setup 
. But what I'm most excited about is the fashion aspect 
. On another note, did you know that there were over 1 million attendees at this ceremony? 
That's crazy! The parade of nations was also really cool, but I guess the lack of top nations showing up is kinda a bummer 
.
Anyway, I loved the fashion part, Giorgio Armani is a legend! 
And Mariah Carey singing "Volare" was awesome 
that's kinda harsh... maybe they were all skiing or something and didn't even know it was happening? 
anyway i'm glad mariah carey killed it on stage, her voice is still giving me goosebumps 
and i'm loving the fashion vibes in this ceremony, giorgio armani's designs are always fire 
. And can someone explain what's up with the zero athletes from the top 5 countries? Did they not receive their invites or something? 
but yeah weird that no nations showed up at main hub what's good tho
It's gonna be weird seeing a parade of nations at the mountain venues instead... might make it feel kinda empty or something? 
That Giorgio Armani fashion segment was fire btw, love how Italian style always brings it to the Olympics. And Albert Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni's message was super cool, great way to kick off these games 
. But seriously, how do you even have a opening ceremony without any country reps being present? 
.
. They're the ones who deserve all our support and attention, not just the politicians and celebrities 
. Can't wait to see what the rest of these games have in store for us! 
can't believe zero athletes from Italy? I mean, come on, it's their country hosting the games! 
. Mariah Carey killing it with "Volare" though 
! Overall, it's all good vibes & excitement for these epic Games 
. But at the same time, who shows up to an Olympics? 
... seems like an odd move considering it's the big 2026 games 
️
. but hey, fashion was on point as per ushual, Giorgio Armani and Fellini getting the nod 
. and Mariah Carey singing "Volare" is always a win