As the countdown to the Milan Cortina Winter Games reaches its final hours, the atmosphere in Milan has transformed dramatically. Just two days prior, the city was shrouded in dreary rain and an unmistakable lack of Olympic spirit. However, a sudden change in weather has brought sunshine and a palpable sense of excitement as ticket holders, locals, and visitors flood the streets, eager to witness the Olympic torch relay and partake in festivities.
A Change in Fortune
The gloomy weather that had dominated the week gave way on Thursday morning to clear skies and bright sunshine. Crowds emerged throughout the city, including Olympic ticket holders, staff, shoppers, and journalists, all buzzing with anticipation for the opening ceremony set for Friday evening at San Siro stadium.
“We can suddenly feel the energy and passion here,” remarked Gloria Vergara, a Spanish make-up artist among the team of 23 professionals preparing to beautify athletes and performers for the ceremony, including renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. As they posed for photographs in the bustling Piazza del Duomo, it was evident that the city’s spirit was shifting toward the celebratory.
Olympic Preparations in Full Swing
Milan’s central streets are alive with Olympic branding and preparations. The Piazza del Duomo, dominated by its majestic Gothic cathedral, was a hive of activity as workers finalised the torch platform. Just a stone’s throw away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, boasts vibrant displays for the Games and its sponsors, including the beloved Prosecco sparkling wine.
Francesco Pettinaroli, heir to a historic printing and cartography business established in 1881, was busy showcasing watercolour prints from the 1956 Cortina Olympics in his shop window. These artworks, crafted by the late Giuseppe Bacci, depict athletes in graceful motion and reflect a nostalgic Olympic era. “I am passionate about mountain sports and these prints,” Pettinaroli shared, noting he sold one to a family from Miami that morning.
Art and Commerce Thrive
In a nearby art gallery, owner Antonio Miniaci welcomed a fresh delivery of oil paintings celebrating Olympic athletes, created by local artist Giuseppe Di Fede. Miniaci expressed his enthusiasm for the global attention the Games have brought to Milan. “The Games are good for Milan,” he stated. “This city is becoming more international, and the Olympics give us great publicity.” Despite not attending any events himself, he hoped to attract visitors to his gallery, showcasing the charm of Italian culture.
As shoppers flocked to Milan’s prestigious Via Montenapoleone, renowned for its luxury fashion brands, the mood was decidedly upbeat. Store managers reported increased activity, with many visitors drawn not only by the Olympics but also by the city’s famous shopping and dining experiences. Natalia Novosad, manager of a high-end cashmere shop, observed, “Yes, people come here for the Olympics but also for the fashion, the furniture, and the food. The Olympics give them another excuse to come here to shop.”
Global Visitors Embrace Milan’s Olympic Spirit
Among the throngs of shoppers was Wilma Cheung, a retired accountant from Hong Kong, who encapsulated the dual purpose of her visit. “We are here mainly for the Olympics, but you can’t come to Milan and not shop,” she remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many who are seizing the opportunity to indulge in both the Games and the city’s vibrant commerce.
The excitement in Milan is palpable as the city prepares to welcome the world for the Winter Games. With the Olympic torch relay anticipated to draw crowds, the city’s energy is unmistakably on the rise.
Why it Matters
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics serve as a significant opportunity for the host cities to showcase their culture and charm to a global audience. As Milan embraces the spirit of the Games, the economic boost from tourism and international attention could have lasting effects, revitalising local businesses and enhancing the city’s international reputation. The Games not only celebrate athletic excellence but also foster connections among nations, making them a pivotal moment for Milan and the broader Olympic movement.
