Hundreds protest cost of Winter Olympics ahead of closing ceremony

• Hundreds protest high costs and environmental impact of 2026 Winter Olympics ahead of Verona closing ceremony.

Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Verona on Sunday just hours before the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics to voice opposition to the high costs and environmental impact associated with the Games.

Organised under the banner “Olympics? No thanks”, the demonstration drew university students, civic associations, and activists who criticised the financial burden of attending and hosting the event. Participants carried banners reading messages such as “Fewer Games for the few, more homes for everyone”, and decried what they described as social inequality exacerbated by billions spent on Olympic infrastructure.

Several protesters highlighted the steep price of tickets for the closing ceremony, reportedly up to around 400 euros, saying such costs are out of reach for many locals and visitors. Others pointed to environmental concerns, claiming that the construction of Olympic facilities, including a new bobsleigh track, had disrupted forests and fragile landscapes.

“We are here to defend our territory from speculation… and from the impossible cost of attending events,” said 76‑year‑old activist Giannina Dal Bosco.

The rally lasted for about two hours outside the Games’ security perimeter, stretching from the 16th‑century Porta Palio to Arsenal Square. Some participants also wore keffiyeh scarves and waved Palestinian flags, reflecting broader political concerns among demonstrators.

The protest in Verona followed a much larger demonstration in Milan on the opening day of the Winter Olympics that drew nearly 10,000 people and, in some instances, turned violent.

Sunday’s closing ceremony was scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) inside Verona’s historic Roman arena, marking the official end of the Milano‑Cortina Games.