The Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony officially launched the Milano Cortina Games on 6 February 2026. The event was held at San Siro Stadium in Milan, also known as the San Siro Music & Arts Centre for the ceremony. The program marked the formal start of the Olympic Winter Games and introduced the host nation to a global audience.
The Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony combined music, performance art, and traditional Olympic elements. The ceremony took place before the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. Thousands of spectators attended the event in person.
Mariah Carey Performs at the Winter Olympics 2026 Opening Ceremony
American singer Mariah Carey was one of the headline performers at the Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony. She had been announced in advance as a featured international music guest. Carey performed a selection of songs during the artistic segment of the program.
Her performance included the Italian song “Volare”, also known as Nel blu, dipinto di blu. She also performed her song “Nothing Is Impossible.” Carey sang in front of a live audience inside San Siro Stadium as part of the official ceremony schedule.
Artistic Theme and Musical Program
The Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony followed an artistic theme titled “Armonia,” meaning harmony. Organizers designed the program to highlight cultural connections through music and performance. The ceremony featured both international and Italian artists.
Italian singers Laura Pausini and Andrea Bocelli were also confirmed participants in the opening ceremony. Their involvement reflected a blend of global and national representation. The artistic performances were coordinated with visual staging across the stadium.
Ceremony Structure and Olympic Traditions
The Winter Olympics 2026 opening ceremony included standard Olympic traditions. These included the Parade of Nations and the symbolic lighting of the Olympic flame. The ceremony formally welcomed athletes, officials, and spectators to the Milano Cortina Games.
The event served as the official beginning of the Winter Olympics, setting the stage for competitions across Italy’s host regions.
