Perugia lights up Umbria: fourth leg of Olympic torchlight toward Milan Cortina 2026

December 9, 2025 - Perugia (Umbria)

After the exciting day in Terni, the Olympic Torch continues its symbolic journey and lands in Perugia, for the fourth day of a relay race designed to unite Italy through sport, culture and the identity of the territories. On Dec. 9, the Umbrian capital becomes the stage for a collective celebration that interweaves tradition and future vision, history and Olympic spirit.

A day of symbols and community

At first light, the Santa Giuliana Stadium will welcome the torch, which will begin an evocative journey through the cobblestone streets of the historic center. With symbolic stops at November IV Square, the Major Fountain, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the scenic Via Majesty of the Vaults, the flashlight will be accompanied by marching bands, historical figures, schoolchildren and local sports associations.

The conclusion of the day is scheduled in Italy Square, with the lighting of the Olympic tripod and an evening show of music, lights and testimonies of past Umbrian and Olympic athletes.

The protagonists of the stage

Also in Perugia will be dozens of torchbearers - about 80-to carry the Olympic fire, each with a story to tell. Among them:

• Young Umbrian athletes Of the regional federations
• Students and academics of the University of Perugia and the University for Foreigners, a symbol of the link between culture and sports
• Selected volunteers From the national call, including representatives of social and inclusive associations
• Former Olympic champions Umbrians, as a symbol of the passing of the baton between generations
• A secret torchbearer will close the route, as in each stage, keeping the suspense alive that will accompany the journey to Milan

Perugia: between millennial history and European vocation

Founded by the Etruscans, a medieval capital and home to prestigious academic institutions, Perugia is a city with a strong cultural and European outlook. It is no coincidence that the flashlight passes through here: it is a symbol of the diversity that dialogues, of theopenness to the world, and the value of the shared memory. In just a few miles, Perugia shows the essence of Italy changing but remaining steadfast in its values.

The green flashlight: sustainability on the go

Also on Dec. 9, the Olympic flashlight will proudly parade its innovative Italian design. Made with recycled aluminum and steel, is powered by a bio-LPG mixture, chosen to reduce emissions and make each stage sustainable. Information booths will also be set up in each city on the ecological transition in sports, to educate and inspire young people and families.

Curiosities and numbers

• 200-250 meters: the distance covered by each torchbearer
• 1,500+ municipalities involved throughout the torch's journey.
• 20 regions Italian crossed
• 60 UNESCO sites touched
• 10 symbolic ignitions planned in Umbria among villages and naturalistic areas

The passing of the Olympic torch in Perugia is not just a sporting event: it is an invitation to participate, to rediscover a sense of community and to walk together toward 2026. In a city that has been able to combine history, education and European spirit, the Olympic fire has found a new reflection. On Dec. 9, Perugia will light up, and with it will light up another stretch of the path to Milan Cortina.