TIRANA, January 28 – RTSH will broadcast the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to Albanian viewers. Meanwhile, the network will provide news and behind-the-scenes updates on the opening ceremony. Audiences can watch the live broadcast on RTSH 1 HD at 20:00 on February 6.

The creative and artistic team shared details about the event. They also explained what the public should expect from this unique spectacle. As a result, organizers emphasized that the opening ceremony will differ from previous Olympic events.

The ceremony will take place across multiple locations. It will start at San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan and continue in Cortina d’Ampezzo. In addition, several other sites will serve as backdrops for competitions. The organizers said the ceremony will feature lights, colors, art, and culture to celebrate Italian heritage.

International artists will perform during the event. Among them are Pierfrancesco Favino, Sabrina Impacciatore, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, Ghali, and Mariah Carey. Creative lead Marco Balich noted that Carey will sing in Italian. He added that the performances aim to highlight both Italian culture and global artistry.

Balich explained that the ceremony follows a “Harmony” concept. He said the concept conveys a universal message of peace, unity, and dialogue. He added that the event emphasizes storytelling through people and emotions.

The ceremony will also feature two Olympic torches for the first time. One torch will be placed in Milan near Arco della Pace, while the second will stand in Cortina at Piazza Dibona. Balich described this as the first distributed opening in Olympic history. He said this format allows all athletes to participate in the parade while sharing the show across multiple locations.

In addition, more than 1,200 volunteers will perform live. They will contribute across Milan, Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo. Balich noted that the volunteers’ participation strengthens the interactive and immersive aspects of the event.

Maria Laura Iascone, director of the Milano Cortina ceremonies, said the team has set a new standard for future Olympic events. She added that distributing the ceremony across several cities allows organizers to showcase cultural diversity.

Damiano Michieletto, creative director, highlighted the challenge of connecting Milan and Cortina. He said the team aims to create a unique visual language using choreography, music, and staging. Michieletto added that the ceremony will reflect Italy’s artistic tradition while incorporating a playful spirit of life.

Costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini described his work as part of a larger creative process. He explained that his goal is to convey messages through costumes. He noted that live spectators will experience the event differently than television viewers. Parrini emphasized that the ceremony will highlight Italian fashion and artistic styles such as Liberty and Art Deco.

Overall, the opening ceremony promises an unforgettable experience. Organizers said it will leave a lasting impression on participants and audiences through music, visuals, and cultural storytelling.

/a.p./