Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan Features Vittoria Ceretti
Vittoria Ceretti, a 27-year-old model, represented Italy by carrying the national flag during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony held in Milan on Friday night. Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his past relationships, was in attendance, along with a host of eager photographers.
Ceretti’s role was significant—not just for the glamour, but also as a tribute to the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who had passed away the previous September. Models showcased stunning Armani designs in the typical colors of the Italian flag, creating a visually appealing atmosphere.
While the theme for the ceremony was “Harmony,” the emphasis appeared to lean more towards beauty—highlighting fashion, art, music, and the remarkable traits of various European cultures. In comparison, the historical landmarks of Italy seemed overlooked. It was clear that organizing such a grand event comes with substantial costs.
Unfortunately, the ceremony was somewhat underwhelming, mirroring the unimpressive presentation seen at the French Games two years earlier. The spectacle lacked the grandeur seen in previous Olympic events like those in Beijing and Sochi, which were much more explosive and coordinated.
In contrast, the Milan offering felt repetitive, with performers lacking the enthusiasm one would expect from such an occasion. The opening act illustrated Cupid and Psyche from Roman mythology, moving around as if searching for each other, but lacking the originality found previously in Paris.
Vibrant musical notes mingled with espresso makers and characters like Galileo, creating a bizarre but entertaining scene that felt reminiscent of Eurovision. A performance by a renowned Italian singer showcased classics but left viewers wanting more in terms of stage presence.
Adding to the quirkiness, there was an unexpected segment featuring sheep symbolizing the city’s connection to nature. The athletes’ parade followed, with the Italian team entering to a techno remix of “Largo al factotum”—a choice that seemed a bit far-fetched.
Although the event was divided among four host towns—Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo—offering a broad view of the Winter Games, it did feel a bit lackluster. The stage saw various performances, including a zany number about Milan’s ski culture, which felt like a throwback to the 1980s.
One comedic routine was characterized by exaggerated Italian gestures—all done without a microphone, making it feel borderline chaotic. Yet, amidst the mixed bag of performances, the night reached a memorable peak with tenor Andrea Bocelli’s powerful rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” which brought genuine emotion to the audience.
Just as it seemed the event would conclude with the lighting of the Olympic flame, the organizers opted for an additional dance featuring a solar system theme and a quote from Nelson Mandela recited by Charlize Theron. While this added more spectacle, one might argue that prioritizing Olympic unity could be better served by showcasing prominent athletes rather than Hollywood stars.
