The 2026 Winter Olympics are finally here, and this year’s opening ceremony is anything but ordinary.
Instead of sticking to a single venue, the celebrations will unfold across four locations in northern Italy — Milan, Cortina, Predazzo, and Livigno.
Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium will host the main ceremony, but fans can expect simultaneous live events in the mountain clusters where skiing and snowboarding competitions take place.
The multi-site approach is a first in Olympic history, giving athletes and spectators alike a chance to experience the Games in a truly unique way.
Harmony Takes Center Stage
Organizers have themed the ceremony around “Armonia” (Harmony), reflecting the blending of Milan’s bustling urban energy with the serene beauty of the Dolomites.
Music, choreography, and visual displays will celebrate Italy’s cultural and natural landscapes.
International stars, including Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey, are set to perform, with Bocelli singing in his native Italian to pay tribute to the host country.
Thousands of volunteers, around 1,200, are expected to help bring the spectacle to life, with the ceremony attracting celebrities and dignitaries — including US Vice President JD Vance — to witness the historic event.
Timing for South African Viewers
For those tuning in from South Africa, the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 21:00 local time on Friday.
Currently, it’s unclear whether SuperSport will broadcast the event, as it doesn’t yet appear in the network’s TV guide.
Fans may need to keep an eye out for online streaming options to catch the opening moments live.
South Africa Sends Its Largest Winter Olympic Team
Team South Africa will be making history as well.
Five athletes have been selected to compete at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games — the largest Winter Olympic delegation the country has ever sent.
Carrying the South African flag will be Matthew Smith, a 35-year-old cross-country skier, and Nicole Burger, a 31-year-old skeleton athlete.
Both are attending their first senior-level Winter Olympics, and the honor of leading the national team at the opening ceremony marks a major milestone in their careers.
Young Talent Joins the Team
The remaining three athletes were born overseas and are among the youngest in the squad: Malica Malherbe (21, British Columbia), Lara Markthaler (18, Germany), and Thomas Weir (17, Switzerland).
These promising talents bring a fresh dynamic to Team SA and signal a growing interest in winter sports among South Africans.
SASCOC Celebrates the Milestone
In announcing the flag bearers, Barry Hendricks, President of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC), congratulated the athletes.
He highlighted the significance of the occasion, especially for Matthew and Nicole, urging them to embrace the experience and inspire pride for South Africa on the international stage.
“This is our biggest team ever at a Winter Games, and the honor of carrying the flag is a moment they will never forget,” Hendricks said.
“We encourage all five athletes to make their country proud through their dedication and sportsmanship.”
What Fans Can Expect From the Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics will run through February 22, featuring top-tier competitions across skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
With ceremonies and competitions spread across urban and mountain venues, spectators can look forward to a vibrant mix of culture, sport, and spectacle.
For South Africans, following the athletes’ progress promises excitement, especially as the country continues to build its presence in winter sports on the global stage.
