Paralympic Cauldron lit in Milan

Paralympic Flame lit in Milan. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

MILAN, Italy — The Paralympic Cauldron was lit in Milan on Friday signifying the start of the Milan Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. The precise timing of the relighting of the now-Paralympic Cauldron was choreographed to coincide along with the relighting of the Paralympic Cauldron in Cortina and the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in Verona inside the Ancient Stadium.

The ceremony came as the city of Milan shifted to Paralympic preparations over the past few days, like serving as one of two main international Games-designated airports, the other in Venice, sending off Olympians, their delegations, their fans, and their specific equipment, and welcoming the same for Paralympians. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

All photos: TownLift // Michele Roepke

Locals and travelers alike gathered in the center of the city to watch the lighting of the Cauldron. Not intended to overshadow, or even to be a standalone ceremony, the Milan event was simply the single action of lighting the Cauldron. Thus no music, no speeches, no stages complicated the momentary act of bringing the flame back to the city which had hosted multiple sports over the past weeks. Going forward, Milan is playing host to the Para Ice Hockey Tournament which gets underway when the sun comes up on Saturday.

By design, the low profile Milan Paralympic Cauldron Lighting didn’t deter those gathered from applauding its arrival and ignition.