The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics officially opened on Friday night, with an opening ceremony staged across multiple locations.

The curtain-raiser adopted a dispersed venue format, marking several historic firsts for the Games, while also incorporating elements of host nation Italy's culture, design and winter sports traditions.

The Parade of Nations unfolded in a non-traditional format as part of the multi-site arrangement.

Greece, the first delegation, was introduced at the start of the procession, with athletes participating from designated venues.

Olympians marched at several locations, including Cortina and Predazzo, reflecting the distributed structure of the gala.

For the first time ever, a Winter Games opening ceremony was staged across two different host cities – Milan and Cortina.

Athletes entered from four locations – Milan, Cortina, Livigno and Predazzo – allowing contingents to be introduced closer to their competition zones and reducing overall travel requirements.

China's delegation was led into the opening ceremony by short track athlete Zhang Chutong and speed skater Ning Zhongyan, who served as co-flagbearers.

The Olympic rings were raised during a coordinated stage performance that formed part of the program, in a presentation that reflected the geographic characteristics of the host regions, which include both urban and mountain environments.

Illuminated rings were gradually brought together during the sequence, which wrapped up with the full Olympic symbol displayed above Milan's historic San Siro Stadium.

Cultural segments showcasing Italian traditions and expressions took center stage during the ceremony.

The sequences were integrated into the overall program, contributing to the gala's atmosphere and serving as interludes within the broader schedule.

One memorable moment involved a staged comedy act, as a faux "anchor" Brenda Lodigiani appeared to have a malfunctioning microphone, which left her communicating using the iconic Italian pinched-finger gesture. The performance drew uproarious laughter from the audience, highlighting one of the host nation's most recognizable cultural symbols.

Through hand movements, open palms and shrugged shoulders, athletes and spectators experienced a playful form of Italian communication, illustrating how humor can serve as a bridge under the Olympic spirit.

As the Italian flag entered the ceremony area, models showcased designs created by Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

The presentation deftly incorporated the national colors of red, white and green, referencing Italy's role in international fashion and design.

Placard bearers wore uniforms combining tailored elements with references to Alpine environments, reflecting both urban and mountain settings.

The ceremony also featured musical performances by international artists. Mariah Carey performed the Italian song "Nel blu, dipinto di blu," followed by her recent release "Nothing Is Impossible."

She appeared in a dress designed by Fausto Puglisi.

Musical performances were also incorporated into the official flag-raising segment.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang and Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli were among the featured artists, alongside the La Scala Children's Choir.

Lang Lang's appearance marked his second time participating in an Olympic curtain-raiser, following the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.

The Olympic flame entered the opening ceremony before continuing on to its final locations outside the main venue.

For the first time at an Olympics, two cauldrons were lit simultaneously – one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and the other at Piazza Angelo Dibona in Cortina.

The cauldrons were designed to reference geometric patterns associated with Leonardo da Vinci and feature a structure capable of opening and closing.

Both cauldrons will remain accessible to the public throughout the duration of the Winter Games.