Sofia Goggia had a key role in securing the hosting rights of the Milan Cortina Olympics for Italy. So it seemed fitting that the gold medal-winning Italian downhiller lit the cauldron in Cortina to c

The Olympic torch is a symbol of peace and unity , passed around the world in the spirit of co-operation, and for each Games, the host country designs a unique torch that often has references to a national landmark or a piece of history. Lighting the cauldron is a symbolic way to start the Games, and it is extinguished during the Closing Ceremony.

The ceremony’s organisers have said they sought to represent the city-mountain dichotomy of the particularly unusual setup for these Olympics while also trying to appeal to a sense of unity at a time of global tensions.

The Opening Ceremony from Milan gets started on Friday afternoon.

• Let the games begin: Italian President Sergio Mattarella declared the 2026 Winter Olympics open. Two cauldrons — one in Milan and one in Cortina — have been lit, marking a first in the Winter Games’ history. Oh here we go, biggest cheer of the night goes to Mariah Carey! Out come the camera phones.

For the first time ever, two cauldrons were lit at the Winter Olympics. Here's who received the honor of lighting the cauldrons. (AP Photo)

The tradition of the Olympic flame and cauldron dates back 100 years or more. More recently, it’s become a major design moment.

From medals to mascots, schedules to slopes—here’s everything you need to know to be ready for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.