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Reporters' notebook: The Olympics closing ceremony is way more fun than you'd think
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Reporters' notebook: The Olympics closing ceremony is way more fun than you'd think

#2026 Winter Olympics #Closing ceremony #Verona Italy #Olympic traditions #Major Lazer #Rachel Treisman #Pien Huang #Milan Cortina Olympics

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The closing ceremony had a more relaxed atmosphere than the opening ceremony
  • Athletes dressed for comfort rather than formality
  • The ceremony blended ancient Roman venue with modern musical performances
  • Major Lazer's DJ set energized the crowd after formal proceedings
  • Reporters found the closing ceremony more enjoyable than the opening

📖 Full Retelling

NPR reporters Rachel Treisman and Pien Huang experienced the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Verona, Italy on Sunday, February 22, 2026, discovering that the event offered a uniquely enjoyable atmosphere compared to the opening ceremony. The ceremony took place in the historic Verona Arena, an approximately 2,000-year-old amphitheater built around 30 AD that accommodated about 15,000 spectators, significantly smaller than Milan's San Siro stadium. Unlike the more formal opening ceremony, the closing event had a noticeably relaxed vibe with athletes dressed for comfort rather than formality—Team USA traded pleated trousers for streetwear-inspired baggy pants and puffer jackets. The ceremony featured traditional elements like the Parade of Nations (without an announcer this time), flag ceremonies, and the extinguishing of Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina, but also included high-tech musical performances that transformed the ancient venue into a modern celebration. Performers incorporated candelabras as a recurring motif in the 'night at the opera' themed event, with some performers even dressed as candelabras while moving floor lamps and attached to a large dangling chandelier. Speeches were delivered by International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry and the head of the Italian organizing committee, with special thanks to regional hosts and the 80,000 volunteers who staffed the Games. The night culminated in an energetic DJ set by electronic music supergroup Major Lazer, which got the crowd dancing after the more formal proceedings, creating a memorable send-off for the Winter Games. The electronic music medley, joined by collaborators including Jamaican singer Nyla, transformed the ancient amphitheater into a modern dance floor, with beams of light, confetti, and glitter cannons illuminating the night sky. As the reporters noted, the ceremony offered a tangible sense of relief and significantly more crowd participation than the opening. Even after the ceremony concluded, the Olympic spirit continued as athletes were spotted at a local McDonald's, including Norwegian cross-country skiing star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo enjoying chicken wings with fellow medalists.

🏷️ Themes

Olympic traditions, Cultural celebration, Sports entertainment

📚 Related People & Topics

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Opening ceremony

Opening ceremony

Official opening of a building or event

An opening ceremony, grand opening, or ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the official opening of a newly constructed location or the start of an event. Opening ceremonies at significant events such as the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and the Rugby World Cup might involve thousands of participants and ...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

The closing ceremony marks the official conclusion of the 2026 Winter Olympics, celebrating the athletes' achievements and transitioning to the next host. It highlights the cultural and entertainment value of the Games beyond competition, fostering international camaraderie. The event also sets the stage for the upcoming Paralympics and the 2030 Winter Olympics in France.

Context & Background

  • The ceremony took place at the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built around 30 AD
  • It featured a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the opening ceremony, with comfortable athlete attire and crowd participation
  • Musical performances included electropop and a DJ set by Major Lazer
  • The event included the traditional extinguishing of the Olympic flame and flag handover to France

What Happens Next

The Paralympics will begin at the same venue in Verona on March 6, featuring athletes with disabilities. France will host the next Winter Olympics in 2030 in the Alps, continuing the Olympic cycle. The Milan Cortina organizing committee will shift focus to legacy projects and post-Games evaluations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the 2026 Olympics closing ceremony held?

It was held at the Verona Arena in Verona, Italy, a historic Roman amphitheater.

How was the closing ceremony different from the opening?

It was more relaxed, with athletes in casual wear, no announcer for the parade, and a festive DJ set after the flame extinguishing.

Who performed at the closing ceremony?

Musicians, a choir, pianist Gloria Campaner, and electronic music group Major Lazer performed, with Diplo as DJ.

Original Source
Reporters' notebook: The Olympics closing ceremony is way more fun than you'd think February 22, 2026 7:52 PM ET By Rachel Treisman , Pien Huang Musicians, choir members and athletes perform during the flag handover portion of the night. Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images VERONA, Italy — The Winter Olympics are officially over. We were among the thousands of people who helped bid them goodbye in a Roman amphitheater in Verona, Italy, on Sunday, with a ceremony that was mostly sentimental but punctuated by rousing bursts of lights, confetti and electropop music. 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Looking back on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina The closing ceremony echoed some of the pomp and circumstance of its opening counterpart 16 days earlier: the athletes' Parade of Nations, the raising of flags, the respective lighting and extinguishing of the two Olympic cauldrons (in Milan and Cortina). But after two-and-a-half weeks of fierce competition, storied traditions and emotional ups and downs, this celebration had a noticeably more relaxed feel — at least among athletes and spectators. The night's musical performances brought high-tech set design to a roughly 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe hide caption toggle caption Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe For one, the Verona Arena — which was built around 30 AD for gladiator battles — holds a considerably smaller crowd than Milan's San Siro stadium (some 15,000 vs. 75,000 people). It's an open-air venue with stone seats, which made for a fair bit of shuffling around (and occasional phone calls) among spectators. Each seat held a tote bag with a slim seat cushion in it, to make the two-and-a-half hour event a little cozier. 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Pin trading has taken over the Olympics. Here's what it's like in Milan The closing ceremony's Parade of Nations was essentially just a parade of flag-bearer...
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