Athletes Parade at Four Sites as Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics Open

The Winter Games of Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo opened with ceremonies across four sites: Milan, Cortina, Predazzo and Livigno. At the climax in Milan, Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni lit the Olympic cauldron, while Sofia Goggia lit the cauldron in Cortina. The ceremonies blended Italian culture and history with opera arias, giant-head figures of Verdi, Puccini and Rossini, lively dance and the green, white and red of the national flag.

A Parade of Nations saw Greece enter first and host Italy last, with name-card carriers in silver puffer coats and dark eyeglasses. The large U.S. delegation marched just after Venezuela and drew a mixed reception; when Vice President JD Vance appeared on the stadium’s big screens, scattered boos and jeers were audible.

Musical highlights included Mariah Carey singing "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu" and Andrea Bocelli performing "Nessun Dorma." The program also featured the rapper Ghali, Cecilia Bartoli and pianist Lang Lang.

Italy, Milan; Cortina; Predazzo; Livigno