Milan-Cortina Releases Olympic Flame Journey Plans
Milano Cortina 2026 has unveiled plans for both the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay, which will travel across the host nation, celebrating the new Italian Spirit and uniting, with the passage of each torchbearer, the territories and local communities in a moment of extraordinary national celebration.
The Olympic Flame and the Paralympic Flame will ignite the passion of Italy and Italians for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, engaging new generations and inspiring them with the principles of sport. Two itineraries are not just a moment of celebration, but will showcase the deep and valuable content rooted in the sacredness of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
The Olympic Flame, which will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on 26 November 2025 is a symbol of unity and peace; it carries a universal message that transcends borders and differences, inviting everyone to participate in an event of profound global significance. It aims to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport in accordance with Olympism and its values.
The Paralympic Flame will be lit at Stoke Mandeville, England, on 24 February and is an invaluable opportunity to promote Paralympic sport and act as a catalyst to driving social inclusion and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The journeys of the two distinctive flames during their respective relays represent the core values of Olympism and Paralympism, embodying the ideals of Friendship, Peace, Hope, and Team Spirit.
"Every step of these Greatest Journeys through our cities will become a moment of celebration and reflection, reminding us of the power of sport to build bridges and break down barriers," says Giovanni Malagò, President of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. "When the flames will travel through our streets, they will touch millions with a unique and unforgettable warmth: the kind only sport can convey. Igniting in people's hearts the sense of being part of something bigger, the Olympic Torch Relay and Paralympic Torch Relay will be unique opportunities for Italy to shine, once again, on the world stage."
The Olympic Torch Relay
A 63-day journey, 60 city celebrations in Italy, and 12,000 kilometers covering all 110 provinces of the country. The Journey will begin on 26 November 2025 in Olympia, with the lighting of the sacred flame, which will then arrive in Italy, in Roma, on 4 December where, two days later, it will begin its path across the nation. The Flame will be in Naples on Christmas and will celebrate the New Year in Bari; on 26 January it will return to Cortina d’Ampezzo, exactly 70 years after the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games in 1956, and will conclude its journey in Milano, entering the San Siro Stadium on the evening of Friday 6 February 2026 for the Opening Ceremony.
This “Greatest Journey” is also designed to pay tribute to Italy’s rich historical and cultural heritage, boasting the highest number of UNESCO sites in the world: the Flame will illuminate many of the 60 listed as World Heritage Sites.
"The Olympic Torch Relay is the moment when the Games enter peoples’ homes, spreading the magic of winter sports across Italy. This “Greatest Journey” is the moment when Milano Cortina 2026 will embrace our country, uniting Italy in a celebration of national pride,” says Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026." A journey that will involve 10,001 torchbearers, each with their own story to tell: stories of passion, sacrifice, courage and inclusivity. The Olympic Flame is a beacon that inspires us all to look to the future with hope and renewed ambition."
The Olympic Flame will be accompanied by two exceptional partners: Coca-Cola, Worldwide Partner of the International Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and Eni, Premium Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, who have embraced the values it represents, choosing to run alongside it, amplifying its narrative power and significance.
“With deep pride, Coca-Cola is preparing to embark on a new journey alongside the Olympic Movement, heading towards Milano Cortina 2026. Our support for the Olympic Torch Relay has been ongoing for over 30 years, and this bond holds a meaning that goes far beyond sports, as the Olympic Games represent an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with the country and leave a positive legacy,” says Luca Santandrea, General Manager of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at Coca-Cola. “During the Olympic Torch Relay, the torchbearers will carry a powerful message of inclusion, reinforcing the idea that sport can inspire the world to come together in celebrating unity and sharing, core values of Coca-Cola, which will contribute to creating memorable experiences and bringing the country together in a celebration of sport and shared joy.”
“Eni is a global company with its heart and mind in Italy, bringing passion and commitment wherever it operates. The flame, a symbol also featured in our historic six-legged dog logo, represents all of this: ideas, expertise, passion, commitment, energy,” says Giuseppe Ricci, Chief Operating Officer Industrial Transformation, Eni. “We are proud to support the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, to lead people and regions on this exciting journey, and to provide them with all the energy they need, including that of transformation and change.”
The Paralympic Torch Relay
The Paralympic Flame will be lit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, the spiritual birthplace of the Paralympic Movement, on 24 February 2026. Once in Italy, the Paralympic Torch Relay will cover 2,000 kilometers in 11 days and, from 24 February 2026 to 6 March 2026, the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Winter Games at the Arena di Verona, it will parade in the hands of 501 torchbearers.
A path of sharing and unity, celebrating not only sporting excellence but also core human values: "The Paralympic Flame will be lit on 24 February in Stoke Mandeville in England, the historic birthplace of the Paralympic Movement,” says Maria Laura Iascone, Ceremonies Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. "Its arrival in Italy will mark the start of a journey that will draw attention and excitement towards the Paralympics, amplifying its messages of respect and inclusivity, and creating a wave of enthusiasm, anticipation, and engagement around the Paralympic athletes"
After being lit in England, the Paralympic Flame will be the protagonist of five Flame Festivals from 24 February to 2 March in Milano, Torino, Bolzano, Trento, and Trieste, with the Flame Unification Ceremony taking place on 3 March in Cortina d’Ampezzo. From 4 March, the Flame will travel to Venezia and Padova, before entering the Arena di Verona on 6 March for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games.
The Journey of the Paralympic Flame represents an event of extraordinary importance and significance, not only for Paralympic athletes but for all the communities it will cross. Each stage of its journey will be a unique opportunity to show how sport can be a powerful tool for social change.
The Journey of the Paralympic Flame represents an event of extraordinary importance and significance, not only for Paralympic athletes but for all the communities it will cross. Each stage of its journey will be a unique opportunity to show how sport can be a powerful tool for social change.
Allianz, a longstanding supporter of the Paralympic movement and a promoter of inclusivity and resilience, will be alongside the Paralympic Torch Relay as the Presenting Partner.
Valentina Sestan, Head of Strategic CEO projects and Head of the Olympic and Paralympic Partnership for Allianz Italy, commented, "As Allianz, we strongly believe in the values embodied by the Paralympic Flame, a symbol not only of sport but also of peace, unity, inclusiveness, respect and resilience, values that Allianz shares. With this partnership, Allianz confirms the proximity to the world of Paralympic sports initiated by our Group in 2006 at the international level and is ready to support the extraordinary moment that Sport and athletes and Para athletes from all over the world will make us live at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, of which we are a global partner."
