The American singer Mariah Carey, a featured performer, has taken the stage at San Siro stadium in Milan, opening with “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu” (“In the Blue Painted Blue”), better known as “Volare.” Many details of exactly what will take place at the ceremonies in northern Italy have been closely guarded but here is what to expect: At the main ceremony in Milan,

The opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games kicked off with a tribute to the rich Italian history of art, music and fashion.

The Parade of Nations, with participating athletes from around the globe, and the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame are some of the highlights of the opening ceremony.