Taranto Opens the XX Mediterranean Games With a Celebration of Sport and Mediterranean Culture

TARANTO, ITALY – AUGUST 21, 2026: Performers, athletes and officials take part in the opening ceremony of the XX Mediterranean Games at the Erasmo Iacovone Stadium in Taranto, southern Italy. Italian President Sergio Mattarella officially declared the Games open during a ceremony combining music, dance, light and imagery inspired by Taranto’s ancient Greek heritage and its relationship with the Mediterranean Sea. The Games bring together 3,803 registered athletes from 26 nations competing across 33 sporting disciplines and continue until September 3. Photos by Massimiliano Tuveri, Raniero Corbelletti and Elia Battistini