Olympic opening ceremonies often come across as overly choreographed, confusing, or simply odd. Yet some manage to evoke a feeling—even a positive one. This is especially true following four prior ceremonies that each faced unique hurdles: from the bone-chilling temperatures in South Korea in 2018, where the name “PyeongChang” still conjures literal shivers, to a fan-free event in Japan due to COVID, where citizens stood outside the Olympic Stadium barriers on opening night just to catch a glimpse, unable to get any closer. Beijing’s 2022 Games were another soulless COVID-era event, defined more by constant testing and isolation rules than by on-field triumphs. Paris had the clever idea to host its ceremonies along the Seine. Too bad it

So on Olympic opening-ceremony night, it’s good to be fully back in action. It’s been a while. 

Across the streets and stadium of this Italian center of history, wealth, and fashion, an Olympic slogan is emblazoned: “It’s Milano. It’s Your Vibe.” For at least one night, that held true. Start with the weather: the evening was clear and dry—after days of on-and-off rain in Milan—and a cool around 40 degrees. Performers honored Italy’s musical heritage, with three legendary opera composers—Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Giacomo Puccini—appearing on stage as mascot-like figures. (Near the end, they returned to dance to club music.) Three massive tubes descended from the top of San Siro Stadium: toothpaste? No, paint tubes releasing primary colors blue, red, and yellow, in tribute to Italy’s art history. Mariah Carey sang “Volare” early in the show. Sabrina Impacciatore, the Italian actress known for playing a strict, comically direct hotel manager in the second season of T, can really dance. Andrea Bocelli, as always, was brilliant and moving. He electrified the crowd.

The show was a hit with everyone. Even the absurdly long lines for food and drinks before the start couldn’t dim the Olympic spirit. “It’s a great time to unite people,” said Emily Dusel, a junior at Texas Christian University studying abroad in London, standing at the very back of a winding queue. “It’s a good reminder that despite so much division, there’s also a lot of unity.”

That sense of brotherhood, respect, and community is sorely needed now, as the world grapples with military conflicts, political strife, and a fraying social fabric that once bound diverse cultures and viewpoints. It’s a fragile time to be an American abroad, with news of aggressive actions, the ousting of Venezuela’s president, and new tariffs spreading globally; days before the Games, protesters in Milan criticized the presence of a figure traveling with the U.S. Olympic delegation. Still, American spectators at San Siro said they were largely welcomed by fans worldwide, as most recognize not all Americans share the same views or endorse the policies making headlines. “I think the people who attend the Olympics are those who want to come together as an international community, so that’s who you meet here,” said Jenny Farver, a Chicago software company owner. 

Nonetheless, Rachel Reinker, an American living in Milan, says she’s often asked about shifting U.S. policies. She finds it easier to avoid political debates. “I just tell them I don’t want to talk about it,” she said. 

One Seattle couple reported only one negative encounter in Milan, when someone yelled “f-ck Americans” at them for wearing specially designed coats with U.S. logos. Most American spectators, however, said people have been friendly, understanding that a nation’s leaders don’t speak for all its citizens. U.S. athletes were cheered as they entered San Siro, though Vice President J.D. Vance drew some boos when his image appeared on the jumbotron. 

Ukraine’s athletes also received a thunderous ovation. “I’m so proud of my country,” said Kateryna Sekker, a Ukrainian who fled after Russia’s 2022 invasion and now lives in Italy, attending the ceremony wrapped in her nation’s flag. “I couldn’t wait to wear my flag—it means more than just a country. It represents people fighting daily for freedom, for our freedom, for us here. Words can’t even describe it. You have to be Ukrainian to feel it.”

The Olympics can never fully isolate itself from global realities. But after a spectacular opening, these next 16 days offer a host of welcome diversions: a comeback bid at 41, with a . (“I hope Lindsey Vonn does it,” Farver said.) , , across . These Games might just be, in fact, a vibe.