Italy reduces political focus at Olympics opening ceremony: ‘No woke nonsense’

Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Highlights

The tribute to Mariah Carey and disco at the 2026 Winter Olympics was largely uncontroversial. The event, set to take place in Milan and Cortina, Italy, maintained a low profile regarding political statements, except for a few minor instances.

The opening ceremony showcased two parades. Athletes moved from the mountainous Cortina to the town square, where celebration took place, while spectators gathered at Milan’s San Siro Olympic Stadium to enjoy the performances.

The festivities kicked off with a video montage featuring an array of Italian culture: skiers, pasta, cappuccino-making, a family in the mountains, and sleek Italian sports cars. NBC’s commentary indicated that the ceremony aimed to convey “a harmony of beauty and creativity.”

Dancers dressed as angels interpreted various movements, which became a recurring motif throughout the nearly hour-long event. There were nods to Italian composers, a large tube of paint, and a segment dedicated to disco dancing.

After Mariah Carey performed, more contentious elements emerged. A diverse group of fans made their way to the stadium via train. A model donned in Italian colors presented the Italian flag at the podium, followed by an “all-female honor guard,” a notable first for the Olympics, raising the flag.

One aspect that stirred conversation was the Olympic Committee’s giant ring symbolizing harmony between competing ideals, which many fans felt resembled the Olympic Ring used in London 2012. One viewer described it as a “copy of London 2012.”

Despite some critiques, viewers generally reacted positively to the ceremony’s lack of divisive messages, applauding the organizers for maintaining a celebratory atmosphere. People were relieved that “no trash happened” during the event.

In contrast, the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony has faced backlash, particularly among Christian communities, due to its controversial representation of the Biblical Last Supper featuring a “drag queen’s Last Supper” with unexpected characters replacing the apostles.

A nearly naked man painted blue performed as Dionysus, and a drag queen carried the Olympic torch before the games officially began.

Looking ahead to 2026, rapper Snoop Dogg, part of the NBC Olympic team, sported a distinctive Italian Olympic chain, which is significant given the controversy surrounding a previous chain he wore, accused of symbolizing Baphomet, a figure associated with the Satanic Temple. Snoop dismissed the claims, explaining it was a “goat chain” made for him after someone called him a goat.