What's happened
Despite hosting the Winter Olympics in Cortina for a second time, the Ladin community feels overlooked. Their cultural representation is minimal, with no official inclusion in the opening ceremony. Ladins are raising awareness through flags and cultural events, highlighting their endangered language and heritage amid broader Italian celebrations.
What's behind the headline?
The exclusion of the Ladin community from the official Olympic ceremonies underscores ongoing cultural marginalization within Italy. While Ladins have historically contributed to the region's identity, their language and traditions are endangered, with only 35,000 speakers globally. The decision to omit Ladin representation reflects a broader trend of prioritizing national and Italian cultural narratives over regional minorities. Ladins are actively countering this by distributing flags, creating multilingual dictionaries, and organizing cultural events, which may foster greater awareness but are unlikely to influence official recognition. This situation exemplifies how major international events often overlook indigenous and minority groups, risking their cultural erasure. The community's efforts to raise awareness could inspire future inclusion, but systemic change remains uncertain. The story highlights the tension between national identity and regional diversity, with implications for cultural preservation amid globalization and commercialization of the Olympics.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the Ladin community feels overlooked despite their long history and cultural significance in the Dolomites, criticizing the absence of their traditions in the opening ceremony. AP News emphasizes their disappointment and describes their initiatives, such as flag distribution and cultural events, to raise awareness. The same source notes the community's endangered language and the limited official appearances during the Games. Contrastingly, AP News also provides historical context about Cortina's past hosting of the 1956 Olympics and the 1941 World Championships, which were heavily influenced by fascist regimes and excluded Allied nations. While The Independent focuses on current cultural activism, AP News offers a broader historical perspective, illustrating how political regimes have historically used sports to project power, often marginalizing minorities like the Ladins. Both sources agree on the community's frustration but differ in emphasis—one on contemporary activism, the other on historical suppression—highlighting the complex legacy of sports and politics in the region.
How we got here
The Ladin community has inhabited the Dolomites for over 2,000 years, maintaining a distinct language and culture. Despite efforts to showcase their heritage during past Olympics, the upcoming 2026 Games in Milan-Cortina will not feature Ladin traditions prominently. The community's cultural visibility has diminished since the 1956 Olympics, which transformed Cortina into a luxury resort, impacting their cultural preservation and property inheritance.
Go deeper
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The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in the Italian cities of Mil