\n<\/p>\n
Before the parade, creative director Marco Balich’s show was based around the principle of ‘armonia’ – meaning union, connection, agreement – with “a narrative aimed at uniting territories, people and values within a shared vision”.<\/p>\n
It featured sections labelled ‘Italian beauty’ and ‘fantasia’, with a tribute to fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who died aged 91 in 2025.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, American singer Mariah Carey – one of the world’s best-selling female artists – was decked out in a sparkling white outfit as she performed a version of Volare.<\/p>\n
“We stand ready to make Olympic history again, inspired by the values that unite all of us: excellence, friendship and respect,” said Giovanni Malago, president of the organising committee for Milan-Cortina 2026.<\/p>\n
“The co-ordination of so many different bodies in the pursuit of one dream has been a powerful expression of this country’s ability to deliver such a complex project.<\/p>\n
“I have never been as proud to be Italian as I am tonight.”<\/p>\n
It was left to International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry to declare the Games open.<\/p>\n
As the first female IOC president, it is the first time the Olympics have been officially opened by a woman.<\/p>\n
“This is why we all love the Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves,” she told the athletes.<\/p>\n
“You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. That we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall.<\/p>\n
“The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us – and what makes us human.<\/p>\n
“This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be, together.”<\/p>\n
While events such as curling, figure skating and ice hockey have already begun, the first five gold medals of the Games will be won on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n