Milano-Cortina 2026 opened with Italian flair and dancing espresso pods in a ceremony full of surprises.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially began with an opening ceremony that blended Italian culture, fashion, and unexpected entertainment - including dancing espresso pods that captured global attention. The event showcased the host nation's creativity while welcoming athletes from around the world to what promises to be a memorable Games.
Canada made a strong statement with 206 athletes participating in the ceremony, matching exactly the number from their historic 2010 Vancouver Olympics team that claimed 14 gold medals. The delegation was led by flag bearers Mikayla Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson, with the team including four sets of siblings and nine athletes whose parents were also Olympians.
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The ceremony became a showcase of national personalities as teams entered the venue. Poland's delegation impressed with their choreographed moves, while France performed a clean version of "the gritty" dance that caught viewers' attention. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged athletes to film on their phones and embrace the historic moment.
Among the notable stories was Brazil's flag bearer Nicole Silvera, who competes in skeleton and lives in Calgary with her wife - who represents Belgium in the same sport. This international love story highlighted the global nature of winter sports.
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The ceremony marked significant milestones for several nations. Benin took their first-ever Olympic steps as one of three countries making their Winter Olympic debut, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd. Every nation earned standing ovations as they entered the venue.
Fashion played a major role in the spectacle, with Nigeria, Colombia, and Haiti drawing particular praise for their striking outfits. The ceremony's entertainment included performances ranging from the dancing espresso pods to Mariah Carey singing in Italian, creating an atmosphere that balanced tradition with contemporary flair.
The event's DJ performed from an ice booth, adding another layer of winter-themed creativity to the proceedings. The ceremony successfully set the tone for what organizers hope will be a Games that celebrates both Italian heritage and Olympic excellence.
