THE OLYMPIC FLAME IN VAL DI FIEMME WEDNESDAY 28 PARADE & ENTERTAINMENT

The journey of the Olympic Flame is now reaching its most exciting phase, telling step by step the story of the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Lit in Olympia last 26 November and arriving in Italy in December, the Flame is travelling across the country along a route of more than 12,000 kilometres, divided into over 60 official stages involving more than 300 towns and cities. A symbolic journey linking major cities and smaller communities, historic squares and lesser-known areas, spreading everywhere the Olympic message of peace and unity.

Among the most significant stops on the route is Val di Fiemme, the beating heart of Nordic skiing, which will host the Olympic competitions in cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined, as well as the Paralympic events in cross-country skiing and biathlon. A passage rich in sporting and cultural significance for a region that has long been an international reference point for winter sports disciplines.

Safeguarding and carrying the Flame throughout its journey are 10,001 torchbearers, selected to represent different stories, values and communities. The last of them will have the honour of entering history, as they will light the Olympic cauldron in Milan during the Opening Ceremony on 6 February, officially marking the beginning of the Games.

On Wednesday 28 January, the Olympic Torch will arrive in Val di Fiemme from Canazei. An unmissable stop will be at the ski jumping stadium in Predazzo, where four exceptional torchbearers, including current athletes and former champions, will take part in the relay.

Meanwhile, Piazza Ss. Filippo e Giacomo in Predazzo will come alive from 2:00 pm with musical entertainment by Chicco Montini and Roby Dee Strazzeri who, together with Silvia Vaia, will accompany the public towards the highlight of the day: the lighting of the Olympic cauldron shortly after 3:00 pm.

The celebration will not be limited to the torch relay alone. Predazzo, Tesero and Cavalese will all host a variety of entertainment activities. Starting at 4:00 pm in Piazza Cesare Battisti in Tesero, ahead of the expected arrival of the torchbearers at around 4:45 pm, visitors can enjoy a performance by Circensema, the circus group from Val di Fassa, together with the Bambi Association.

The Torch will then continue its journey towards Lago di Tesero, where at 5:45 pm ten torchbearers will carry it into the cross-country skiing stadium. Among them will be Giuliano Vaia, the oldest volunteer of the Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme Committee, and Michele Garzia, the youngest volunteer, alongside former champions and officials of the local Organising Committee.

From Lago di Tesero, the Torch will proceed to Piazza Verdi in Cavalese, where from 5:00 pm the Master of Ceremony will recount the fascinating journey of the Olympic symbol through a series of highlights. At 7:00 pm, the arrival of the final torchbearer and the lighting of the cauldron are scheduled. The square will also feature activities organised by partners ENI and Coca-Cola, including karaoke, a DJ set and dance performances. A wide range of entertainment, hospitality and public engagement activities will be available, with free products and gadgets distributed to visitors, together with sports activities such as a ski simulator, VR experience, bobsleigh area, speed trap and air hockey.

In short, there will truly be something for everyone: the chance to meet athletes and well-known personalities while building excitement for the major event ahead, whose competitions will officially begin on 7 February at Lago di Tesero with the 10+10 km cross-country skiathlon and in Predazzo with the Normal Hill ski jumping event.

© Newspower