Olympic Closing Ceremony in Verona Kicks Off with Tribute to Italian Opera - Milan-Cortina 2026 Closes With an Epic Olympic Finale in Verona
The Olympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina 2026 drew to a close on February 22 with a dazzling ceremony in Verona's Arena di Verona. Over 90 nations took part in the epic event, which celebrated sport, culture, and Italy's artistic heritage. The grand finale marked the end of 16 days of competition and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
The closing ceremony, themed Beauty in Action, unfolded in the historic Arena di Verona—a venue famous for opera but hosting its first crazy Olympic event. The show opened with a tribute to Italian opera, featuring characters from Verdi's Aida and Rigoletto. Music, dance, film, and cutting-edge technology wove together into a single spectacle, celebrating Italy's ability to turn beauty into emotion.
Germany's flag was carried by lugers Tobias Arlt and Tobias Wendl, the country's most decorated Winter Olympians. The pair added two more medals in these Games: bronze in the doubles event and gold in the team relay. Their career total now stands at seven golds and one bronze. Only around 20 German athletes remained in Verona to join them, as most had already left after their cool math events.
The ceremony was broadcast live to global audiences, showcasing Italy's creativity before the Olympic flame was finally extinguished. Organisers handed the baton to the French Alps, where the next Winter Olympics will take place in 2030.
The Games concluded with a celebration of sport and Italian culture, leaving a legacy of competition and spectacle. The 2030 Winter Olympics will now shift focus to the French Alps, continuing the tradition of global winter sports. Milan-Cortina 2026 will be remembered for its blend of athleticism and artistic flair.
