The 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics officially began Friday night with a historic and visually stunning Opening Ceremony, marking the first time the Games were launched across multiple host cities.
For the first time in Olympic history, two Olympic cauldrons were lit during the ceremony — one at Arco della Pace in Milan and another at Piazza Dibona in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Olympic officials said the dual cauldrons symbolize harmony between the two host cities and the regions hosting the Games.
The Opening Ceremony featured the traditional Parade of Nations, emotional calls for peace and unity, and a series of grand performances by a star-studded global lineup. Performers included Mariah Carey,