Winter Olympics 2026: The spectacular opening ceremony - A tribute to Giorgio Armani, Mariah Carey wowed San Siro

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina officially began on Friday with a grand opening ceremony featuring artistic performances and symbolic tributes. Pop icon Mariah Carey energized the crowd at Milan's San Siro stadium with a rendition of the classic Italian song "Volare." High-profile attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Italian President Sergio Mattarella appeared via video. The event paid special tribute to the late fashion legend Giorgio Armani and featured a unique simultaneous lighting of two Olympic cauldrons. Despite some logistical confusion in Cortina, athletes celebrated the start of the games across a massive competition area spanning 22,000 square kilometers. Cyprus is also represented in the games with a six-member delegation, marking its first double qualification in twelve years.