The full Big Vocal Orchestra, positioned on and around the official Paralympic stage, brought St. Mark’s Square to life with its music while awaiting the arrival of the Paralympic Torch on its journey from Cortina to Venice. The event, which took place on Wednesday, March 4, was part of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Flame Journey initiatives.
The torchbearers paraded through the streets of Mestre and then into St. Mark’s Square, passing along the Riva delle Zattere, crossing on a historic Bucintoro vessel to the Arsenale, and completing the final stretch along the Riva degli Schiavoni. The flame began its run in Mestre at 4:30 PM, along a 4-kilometer and 40-meter route that saw 15 torchbearers take turns carrying the message of inclusion and participation toward the Games through the streets of the metropolitan city and the alleys of Venice. And St. Mark’s Square, awaiting the arrival of the final torchbearer, came alive with the voices of the Big Vocal Orchestra and athletes from local sports clubs. Here, the long-awaited moment of lighting the cauldron was celebrated by a festive square, thanks to the many people who welcomed the final torchbearer, Matilde Villa, playmaker for Reyer Venezia. She had the honor of lighting the cauldron surrounded by the applause of a square decked out in Paralympic colors.
