The Story of the Olympic Flame and Its Journey to Milano-Cortina 2026

Ancient Origins and Modern Meaning

The Olympic flame traces back to ancient Greece, where a fire burned continuously at Olympia—home of the original Olympic Games—symbolising purity, the endeavour for excellence, and the sacred connection between sport and peace. In the modern Olympic movement, this fire is reignited at Olympia before each Games using the sun’s rays and a parabolic mirror in a ceremony that connects the ancient and modern traditions.

Since 1936, the flame has been transported from Greece to the host nation in a torch relay, where runners and other carriers pass it hand-to-hand as it travels through cities, towns, and landscapes before lighting the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony. The relay embodies unity, hope, and international friendship.

What the Flame Represents

The Olympic flame symbolises continuity between the ancient Games and today’s global celebration of sport. It conveys messages of peace and human connection, acting as a living beacon that travels through communities, inspiring local pride and collective anticipation for the Games.

How Torchbearers Are Chosen

Torchbearers for the relay are selected to represent diverse contributions to society—community leaders, young change-makers, athletes, and ordinary citizens who embody the Olympic values. For Milano-Cortina 2026, thousands of participants will carry the flame along its national route, highlighting civic commitment and personal achievement.

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Flame Relay in Italy

For Milano-Cortina 2026, the torch’s journey began with the flame being ignited in Ancient Olympia on 26 November 2025 and handed over to Italian organisers in Athens before arriving in Italy on 4 December. From 6 December 2025 to 6 February 2026, the relay will traverse more than 12,000 km, visiting all 20 Italian regions and 110 provinces, with stops in 60 principal host cities and hundreds of municipalities along the way.

Milan and Lombardy

The flame’s route in Lombardy includes Grignetta, Villa d’Almè, Ponteranica, Alzano Lombardo, Nembro, Seriate and Bergamo, among others, on 2 February 2026, showcasing the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

In Milan, the official relay leg begins on 5 February 2026, with the flame passing from Sesto San Giovanni through key venues like the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena and Milano Ice Park. The relay culminates at San Siro Stadium, where the flame will help signal the start of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on 6 February 2026.

Why Milan Should Care

For Milan’s residents and international community, the Olympic flame’s passage is more than a spectacle—it’s a rare opportunity to be part of a historic global event. It connects local streets and neighbourhoods with an ancient tradition that spans cultures and centuries, bringing global attention and shared celebration to the city and its hinterland.