Athletes of United States during the Olympics opening ceremony in Milan. DYLAN MARTINEZ / REUTERS
The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opened on Friday, February 6, with a glittering ceremony at the San Siro stadium echoed by celebrations at Games venues across the Italian Alps. The extravaganza reflected the most geographically widespread Games in history and, in a first, the 2,900 athletes paraded in the venues closest to where they will compete, in a bid to minimize travel.
Under tight security, with helicopters buzzing over the San Siro, the curtain went up on the Games in a burst of color and light.
Athletes also gathered in a more intimate ceremony in snow-covered Cortina, the chic resort 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Milan that is hosting the women's alpine skiing. There were also celebrations in Livigno and Predazzo elsewhere in the Italian Alps. The San Siro show began with dancers from the famed Teatro alla Scala's academy taking center stage, accompanied by symbols of Italian beauty and design.
Switzerland's flag bearer Nino Niederreiter parades with other athletes during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, on February 6, 2026. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP
