The Olympic and Paralympic Torches for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, known as the “Essential Torches,” have officially returned to Italy. This symbolic homecoming took place on Monday, October 13, during the Closing Ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka at the Italy Pavilion. The torches were handed back to the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, represented by CEO Andrea Varnier, alongside sporting icons Martina Caironi (Paralympic gold medalist) and Carolina Kostner (Olympic bronze medalist). The ceremony celebrated the excellence and passion of Italy, with Varnier noting that the Expo was the perfect starting point for the torches’ journey. Kostner emphasised the Olympic Flame’s role in symbolising the union of people and cultures, while Caironi highlighted the Paralympic Flame’s message of inclusion and the power of athletes to transform disability into strength.
The Essential Torches—symbols of unity and the dual nature of the 2026 Games—were first unveiled at the Italy Pavilion in Osaka last April. Designed by Studio Carlo Ratti Associati and produced with the support of Eni and Versalis, their return from this significant global event marks the beginning of the final preparations for the Winter Games. To celebrate the closing ceremony, an ice skating rink was set up for the public, serving as a tangible connection between Italy and Japan and a preview of the spirit of Milano Cortina 2026.
Following their return, the torches are now set for their national journeys. The Olympic Torch will begin its route from Greece on November 26, travelling 12,000 km across Italy over 63 days before concluding at San Siro for the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games on February 6, 2026. The Paralympic Torch relay will follow, starting its journey on February 23, culminating at the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Verona on March 6, 2026.
Milano Cortina 2026 Torches Return Home from Expo 2025 Osaka
