Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Officially Opened
On February 7, 2026, the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially began in Italy! The grand Opening Ceremony took place on the evening of February 6 — one of the most extraordinary and spectacular in the history of the Winter Games.
The main event unfolded at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. For the first time in Winter Olympic history, the ceremony was held simultaneously across multiple locations: alongside Milan, parallel events and the lighting of the Olympic flame occurred in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo — highlighting the unique, geographically dispersed format of these Games — the most widely distributed in Winter Olympic history.
Titled “Armonia” (Harmony), the ceremony fused urban creativity with the alpine spirit of Italy. Audiences enjoyed vibrant performances blending opera, ballet, contemporary art, and tributes to iconic Italian figures — from Leonardo da Vinci and Dante to Puccini and Fellini. World-renowned stars performed on stage, including five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Italian singer Laura Pausini, legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli, actress Sabrina Impacciatore, and others. A particularly emotional highlight was the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons — one in Milan and one in Cortina — symbolizing unity and connection between the host cities.
In the Parade of Nations, the Spanish delegation marched 77th out of 92 participating countries. The flag was carried by abanderados — ice dancer Olivia Smart and alpine skier Kim Salarich (Joaquim Salarich). They led a team of 20 athletes — Spain’s largest Winter Olympic delegation ever, matching the record set in Grenoble 1968 and Sochi 2014.
Spain is competing in six sports, with realistic medal prospects — up to five, according to expert forecasts. Strongest hopes rest on the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering. Here, Oriol Cardona (Oriol Cardona Coll) leads the charge — a two-time world sprint champion, multiple World Cup stage winner, and top gold medal favourite. Also competing in ski mountaineering for Spain: Ana Alonso, Ot Ferrer, and Maria Costa.
Other top medal contenders:
- Queralt Castellet — silver medallist in snowboard halfpipe at Beijing 2022,
- Lucas Egibar — world champion in snowboard cross,
- Ice dance pair Olivia Smart / Tim Dieck.
Spain enters these Games aiming to extend its Olympic medal streak, begun in PyeongChang 2018 and continued in Beijing 2022.
Today, February 7, the first competitions have already begun!
Go Spain at the Olympics!
Who will win the first medal?