The Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, while visually elegant, became a stage for public expressions of anger and political tension. Boos were directed at the Israeli delegation during the athlete parade, despite calls for respect from International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry. The reaction highlighted ongoing geopolitical conflicts, with simultaneous parades across Italy showing both jeers and cheers for Israel. Fractures between Europe and the United States were also apparent, as American athletes received mixed responses and the brief appearance of vice president JD Vance prompted further booing.

The ceremony also saw moments of solidarity, such as enthusiastic support for Ukraine, whose team remains banned due to the ongoing invasion by Russia. The International Olympic Committee emphasized unity and compassion, hoping the Games would serve as a platform for empathy amid global divisions. For the next two weeks, five sporting clusters across northern Italy will host events, making this Olympics the most geographically expansive in history.