Italy's Opening Ceremony For The Olympics Was A Masterclass In Embracing Its Complex Identity - But It Also Highlighted The Country's Polarising Politics
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, held at San Siro stadium in Milan, was a spectacular display of Italian culture and history. With 700 hours of rehearsals under its belt, the creative team behind the show pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable evening.
The audience was treated to a lavish production that showcased Italy's rich heritage, from classical statues to Renaissance fashion and food. The iconic Italian opera singers Armando Trullo and Cecilia Bartoli also made appearances, performing along with supermodels and even the renowned singer Mariah Carey, who left the crowd in awe with her rendition of Volare.
But what really set the ceremony apart was its message of harmony and unity. IOC President Kirsty Coventry drew on her Zimbabwean upbringing to emphasize the importance of Ubuntu, the concept of community and interconnectedness that is deeply ingrained in African culture.
"Ubuntu means: I am because we are," she said. "That we rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other."
This message was echoed by the athletes themselves, who were quick to praise their rivals after competing. It's a sentiment that resonates throughout the Olympic Games, where athletes from around the world come together in the spirit of sportsmanship and respect.
However, not everyone was on board with the ceremony's themes. The presence of US immigration and customs enforcement officials (ICE) at the event sparked widespread outrage, both online and offline. The protesters were vocal about their disapproval, using social media to express their dissatisfaction and even holding anti-ICE banners outside the stadium.
One of those present at the ceremony was American speed skater Erin Jackson's teammate Hunter Hess. When asked about his mixed feelings towards wearing Team USA gear during the opening ceremony, he replied: "There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US."
For the most part, though, the tone of the ceremony was one of joy and celebration. The crowd was won over by the music, the performers, and the infectious energy of the evening.
In the end, it was a night to remember, with Italy embracing its complex identity and showcasing its unique blend of culture and politics to the world. And while there were certainly moments that divided opinion, the overall message of unity and harmony that pervaded the ceremony will be remembered long after the Olympics are over.
As for the president of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, officially declaring the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 open to thunderous applause, it was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, held at San Siro stadium in Milan, was a spectacular display of Italian culture and history. With 700 hours of rehearsals under its belt, the creative team behind the show pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable evening.
The audience was treated to a lavish production that showcased Italy's rich heritage, from classical statues to Renaissance fashion and food. The iconic Italian opera singers Armando Trullo and Cecilia Bartoli also made appearances, performing along with supermodels and even the renowned singer Mariah Carey, who left the crowd in awe with her rendition of Volare.
But what really set the ceremony apart was its message of harmony and unity. IOC President Kirsty Coventry drew on her Zimbabwean upbringing to emphasize the importance of Ubuntu, the concept of community and interconnectedness that is deeply ingrained in African culture.
"Ubuntu means: I am because we are," she said. "That we rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other."
This message was echoed by the athletes themselves, who were quick to praise their rivals after competing. It's a sentiment that resonates throughout the Olympic Games, where athletes from around the world come together in the spirit of sportsmanship and respect.
However, not everyone was on board with the ceremony's themes. The presence of US immigration and customs enforcement officials (ICE) at the event sparked widespread outrage, both online and offline. The protesters were vocal about their disapproval, using social media to express their dissatisfaction and even holding anti-ICE banners outside the stadium.
One of those present at the ceremony was American speed skater Erin Jackson's teammate Hunter Hess. When asked about his mixed feelings towards wearing Team USA gear during the opening ceremony, he replied: "There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US."
For the most part, though, the tone of the ceremony was one of joy and celebration. The crowd was won over by the music, the performers, and the infectious energy of the evening.
In the end, it was a night to remember, with Italy embracing its complex identity and showcasing its unique blend of culture and politics to the world. And while there were certainly moments that divided opinion, the overall message of unity and harmony that pervaded the ceremony will be remembered long after the Olympics are over.
As for the president of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, officially declaring the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 open to thunderous applause, it was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable evening.
! The ceremony was truly epic with all the fancy costumes and music 
... but I gotta say, that whole ICE thing is a total buzzkill 
. It's like, can't we just focus on unity and sportsmanship instead of politics? 
Still, it's great to see athletes from around the world coming together in the spirit of Olympic values 
... and that message of Ubuntu is super powerful 
. Let's keep spreading love and positivity, folks! 
#OlympicLove #UnityInAction #NoToICE
. The opening ceremony in Italy was insane! They really knew how to bring out the Italian spirit, from the food to the fashion to the music. It's like they were saying "Hey, we're a complex country, but we can all come together and celebrate our differences." I love that message of unity and harmony - it's something we need more of in this world 
.
just watched Italy's opening ceremony for the Olympics and I'm still reeling from the experience 
! They totally owned that stage with their stunning production, showcasing the country's rich history and culture 
. And Mariah Carey singing Volare was EVERYTHING 
. But what really got me was the message of unity and harmony 
. Ubuntu is such a powerful concept and it's amazing to see the athletes embracing it 
. It's not cool that they're using the Olympics as an opportunity to spout controversy 
. I guess you can't please everyone, but it's still sad to see people divide over something like this 
.
. It was a night to remember and I'm so glad I got to experience it 
.
still, it was a cool celebration of italian culture and history, but let's not forget that there's more to this country than just pasta and gondolas 