Closing Ceremony Venue and Time
The historic Verona Arena, a stunning ancient Roman amphitheater, will provide the backdrop for the closing ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 22. The event will bring together approximately 1,500 athletes for a farewell to the Games, set to a vibrant showcase of Italian music and dance. Alfredo Accatino is leading the production, aiming to present a dynamic and evolving Italy, highlighting the beauty of movement, sport, and nature.
Ceremony Concept and Artistic Vision
Entitled “Beauty in Motion,” the closing ceremony show is designed to convey a message of change and dynamism, perfectly complementing the timeless beauty of the ancient arena. Producer Alfredo Accatino emphasizes that “this ancient monument is attractive when We see alive, when it continues to change.” The ceremony will feature performances by renowned ballet dancer Roberto Bolle, alongside the contributions of around 350 volunteers. Singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gabriele Ponte are also set to capture the stage. The stage design draws inspiration from a water droplet, symbolically connecting the mountainous Olympic venues with the Po River valley, while also acknowledging the impact of climate change on winter sports.
Verona Arena – A Unique Venue
Built before the Roman Colosseum, the Verona Arena is one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. For centuries, it has served as a significant venue for entertainment and culture, hosting everything from gladiator contests to opera performances and modern concerts. Its historical significance and unique architecture make it an ideal location for a grand closing ceremony, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees. Organizers also promise surprises related to the arena’s tunnels, revealing a “mysterious world beneath the arena.” The arena is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Olympic Games and Closing Ceremony Details
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics kicked off on February 6 with an opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. Competitions took place across several locations in Northern Italy, integrating urban and mountain region infrastructure. The closing ceremony in Verona will take place the day before the Games’ official end date, on February 22. While the opening ceremony drew over 60,000 spectators, the Verona Arena is expected to host around 12,000 attendees for the closing ceremony. Traditional fireworks have been replaced with a light show, as fireworks are prohibited in Verona to avoid disturbing animals. The ceremony will also feature the traditional extinguishing of the Olympic flame, a poignant moment marking the end of the Games. The event will include a parade of athletes and a series of artistic performances.
Latvian Delegation and Participation
Latvia is participating in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with its largest-ever delegation, comprising 68 athletes. Latvian athletes are competing in nine sports, showcasing the country’s traditions in winter sports. These are Latvia’s 13th Winter Olympic Games. While the Games are centered in Milan and Cortina, Latvian athletes will face a journey of over an hour from Milan and two to four hours from the mountain competition venues to reach the closing ceremony in Verona.
