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The Olympic rings in the Sliding Center in Cortina. Michael Kappeler/dpa
After a 20 years, the Winter Olympics are returning to the Alps and the 2026 edition of the Games will officially start with the opening ceremony on Friday evening.
For the first time, there are two host cities: Italy's financial and fashion capital Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The ski resort in the Dolomites was previously the host in 1956.
The competitions will take place in seven different locations in northern Italy as 2,900 athletes will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals until February 22.
The main opening ceremony will begin at 8 pm (1900 GMT) in Milan's San Siro stadium. Italian President Sergio Mattarella will officially open the 25th Winter Games with a speech.
The musical program will feature many prominent figures, such as pop star Mariah Carey and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The traditional athlete parade will also take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno.
Also for the first time, there's going to be two Olympic cauldrons: one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and another at Piazza Dibona in Cortina.
It's still unknown who will light them up, but according to media reports Olympic alpine skiing champions Alberto Tomba and Deborah Caompagnoni will take the prestigious task.
Several prominent political figures will be in attendance. More than 50 heads of state and government are expected to be at the San Siro.
US President Donald Trump won't attend the ceremony, but US Vice President JD Vance landed in Milan on Thursday. Germany will be represented by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The opening ceremony, as well as the entire Games, will take place under tight security amid fears of attacks and sabotage. More than 6,000 security personnel will be on duty during the event.
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