MILAN / CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Feb 6 (GeokHub) - The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially opened on Friday with a landmark ceremony split between two cities, blending urban spectacle and alpine tradition in a first-of-its-kind celebration that also reflected the political tensions shaping the global moment.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella formally declared the Games open from Milan’s San Siro stadium, while parallel celebrations unfolded more than 400 kilometers away in Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites. The synchronized events were designed to showcase both the fashion-forward energy of Italy’s financial capital and the mountain heritage hosting the Winter Games’ outdoor competitions.
The ceremony unfolded against a backdrop of visible political reactions among the crowd. Images of visiting international leaders drew mixed responses inside the stadium, while the entrance of national teams highlighted divisions and solidarity alike. Israel’s delegation received a mixed reception across the two host cities, while Ukrainian athletes were met with loud applause, underscoring the emotional weight surrounding the Games.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry used her address to emphasize unity, calling on the Olympics to serve as a reminder of shared humanity amid global uncertainty. She described the Games as a rare moment for nations to come together through sport rather than division.
Music and culture anchored the opening celebrations, with pop icon Mariah Carey launching the festivities through a performance that bridged Italian musical heritage and global pop appeal. The ceremony also paid tribute to Italy’s cultural legacy, including a memorial segment honoring legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
Athletes paraded not only in Milan but across multiple mountain venues, including Livigno and Predazzo, reflecting the vast geographic footprint of the Games, which span more than 22,000 square kilometers. While some spectators in Cortina expressed frustration over access restrictions, others welcomed the chance to participate locally without traveling to Milan.
A defining symbol of the Games will be the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons — one in Milan at the Arco della Pace and another in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona — both set to burn throughout the Olympics, marking a historic first for the Winter Games.
Despite protests in Milan over local disruptions and international issues, the atmosphere surrounding the ceremony remained largely festive as crowds gathered under clear skies. The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will run through February 22, bringing athletes and spectators together across Italy’s cities and mountains.
