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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina is already shaping up to be memorable.
On February 6, the Milano Cortina Winter Games commenced with a groundbreaking moment. For the first time in Olympic history, an all-female honor guard presented the host nation’s national anthem during the Opening Ceremony.
In a stunning display at Milan’s San Siro Stadium, over 50 models dressed in bespoke Giorgio Armani suits, inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, made their way down the walkway. This elegant tribute set the stage for the ceremony.
As renowned singer Laura Pausini delivered the Italian national anthem, “Il Canto degli Italiani,” the cameras transitioned to Cortina d’Ampezzo. This scenic ski resort town, co-hosting the Games, became the backdrop as the all-female honor guard proudly received the Italian flag.
As singer Laura Pausini began performing the Italian national anthem “Il Canto degli Italiani,” cameras cut to the scene at Cortina d’Ampezzo, the ski resort town co-hosting the Games. There, the all-female honor guard were presented with the Italian flag.
The flag was simultaneously raised in both Milan and Cortina, celebrating the fact that two different cities are co-hosting the Games for the first time in Olympic history.
But that wasn’t the only can’t-miss moment from the Opening Ceremony.