While the snowy South Bend weather continues piling up and the scarves are nowhere near being put away, we all need a winter romanticization. The Winter Olympics are now here to bring us comfort amid the chaos and to remind us that community and culture still stand with positive human achievement. The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics rang in this hopeful message with its opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, last Friday night.
The ceremony featured a colorful, lively illustration of Italian culture while also sharing the stage with other popular global figures like Mariah Carey and Charlize Theron. This ceremony demonstrated that even in a sporting event, there is always room for art to further illuminate the joy of global solidarity.
The ceremony opened with a beautiful depiction of Italy’s contributions to the arts and culture throughout history. Starting with an elegant ballet number with dancers dancing around Italy’s well-known busts and sculptures, the exuberance continued with the famous Italian actor Matilda De Angelis conducting a multitude of dancing music notes. The circular stage allowed the music-note dancers to move freely while still following a pattern. This symphonic setting was joined by the representation of three puppeteer heads of esteemed Italian Opera masters.
The dedication to music quickly transitioned to art, where three paint tubes with strings of color descended from the ceiling. Around the tubes, performers in vibrant colors wore costumes with a cartoonish, creative pop-art effect. Models also strutted across the stage in suits of red, green, and white to pay homage to the legendary impact of Italian fashion. Amongst the dedication of Italian artistry, there were also riveting performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli and pianist Lang Lang.
After the iconic Olympic rings shined in the sky, athletes from over 90 countries entered the arena, showcasing their pride in representing their countries with smiles, waves, phone recordings and dancing. Each country lovingly held its flags and sported fashionable outfits created by esteemed designers. America’s preppy and cozy flag sweater outfits were created by Ralph Lauren, while Canada’s maple leaf puffer jackets were designed by Lululemon. Italy wore Armani jackets, while Brazil wore Moncler puffers.
After each team walked in, Italy’s president Sergio Materella and UN Peace Ambassador Charlize Theron delivered impactful speeches, emphasizing the hard work the Olympians put in to be present and calling for unity and peace in these times of trouble. The unforgettable torch was passed by three Italian Alpine ski racers in both Milan and Cortina.
Retired skiers Deborah Compagnoni and Alberto Tomba lit the flame in Milan, while Sofia Goggia, who is participating in these games, continued the ceremony in Cortina. After the cauldron lighting signified the start of the games, the performance then concluded with other heartwarming odes to Italy and the Olympics. Another riveting dance routine livened the circular stage with groovy neon hockey and skiing attire that celebrated 100 years of the Winter Olympics. Finally, an opera and dance ensemble closed out the bright evening.
The expression of art in the opening ceremonies and Olympic athletic events always demonstrates joy in human flourishing. These moments serve as reminders that goals can be achieved, art can have meaning and admiration in any atmosphere, and the roots of global love and hope lies in sharing talents and emphasizing togetherness against all odds. The Olympics always serve both as a source of entertainment, motivation and cooperating comfort that I look forward to at every game.
