The 25th Winter Olympic Games opened in Milan on Friday, February 6, gathering spectators at the San Siro Stadium, which accommodates 80,000 people. The main ceremony was a vibrant event, and the parade of participating countries also took place in other cities — Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, and Livigno. Due to significant distances, many athletes could not arrive in Milan before the start of the games, and some competitions had already begun before the ceremony.
The musical program featured both classical and modern works: composers Vivaldi and Rossini were played, along with performances by famous artists, including Mariah Carey and Italian rapper Ghali. The highlight of the evening was the appearance of tenor Andrea Bocelli, who performed the famous aria Nessun dorma from Puccini's opera Turandot.
A special highlight was a fashion show where models showcased a collection by Armani in the colors of the Italian flag. This was a tribute to Giorgio Armani, who passed away in September at the age of 91. The Armani brand is the official outfitter of the Italian team at these Winter Olympic Games.
The ceremony concluded with a unique moment: the Olympic flame was lit simultaneously in two locations — at the Arch of Peace in Milan and at Dibon Square in Cortina d'Ampezzo, marking a first in Olympic history.
The closing of the Olympics will take place in the ancient amphitheater of Verona, which is over two thousand years old. This event will be witnessed by about 12,000 spectators and will be the first time the Olympic Games conclude at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kazybek Moldazhiyev, the director of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports of Kyrgyzstan, attended the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy. Before the ceremony began, he wished good luck to Kyrgyz athletes Artur Saparbekov and Timur Shakirov, expressing hope that they would represent their country well and achieve high results.
