The timeless tradition of Olympic flame lighting unfolded once again on Tuesday as the sacred fire for the 2026 Winter Olympics was kindled in ancient Olympia, Greece. This ceremonial event marks the official countdown to the Milan Cortina Games scheduled for February 2026.
Ancient Ritual Meets Modern Games
In a scene connecting modern sports with ancient traditions, actress Mary Mina took on the pivotal role of high priestess during the final rehearsal preceding the official flame lighting ceremony. The proceedings took place at the archaeological museum of Olympia, where similar rituals have been performed for generations of Olympic athletes.
The flame lighting ceremony represents one of the most sacred traditions of the Olympic movement, dating back to the ancient Games that originated in this very location. This year's ceremony maintains the historical significance while looking forward to the winter sports spectacle awaiting global audiences in 2026.
Path to Milan Cortina 2026
The successfully lit flame will now begin its journey to Italy, where the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will unfold across multiple venues. The February 2026 games will mark Italy's third time hosting the Winter Olympics, following previous events in Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006.
This traditional ceremony comes as athletes worldwide intensify their training regimens for the upcoming competitions. The lighting of the Olympic flame serves as both a symbolic and practical start to the final preparations for the international sporting event.
The Milan Cortina Games are expected to feature approximately 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries competing across 16 disciplines. The flame lighting ceremony represents the first major milestone in the operational timeline leading up to the opening ceremonies.
