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Olympic Games in northern Italy have German twist
South Tyrol will feature bilingual signage and cultural displays at the 2026 Winter Olympics to honor its multilingual identity and attract German-speaking visitors, with 70% local German speakers.
- Milan‑Cortina 2026 organizers added German-language materials after South Tyrol pushed for an IOC exemption for bilingual nomenclature during the Games starting February 6, with Anterselva as the northernmost venue.
- Bolzano and Trento were granted autonomous status in 1972, shaping local language policy; Arno Kompatscher, President of South Tyrol, said bilingual names reflect "respect for people's sensitivities".
- In Bolzano's central square musicians in traditional dress welcomed the Olympic flame Tuesday evening, while posters reading `Gr�� Gott in Tirol` and bilingual volunteer guides highlight local culture.
- The organising committee confirmed bilingual town names on maps and signs, showing South Tyrol towns and villages with official bilingual names; Christoph Schmid said this highlights the region's history.
- The region's turbulent past includes Fascist-era policies and bombings, and said President Kompatscher, `We want to be a little Europe within Europe`, with QR-linked histories recounting the 'persistent injustice' of annexation.
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A significant part of the Olympic program will take place in the federal state with the full Slovenian name Trentinsko - Zgornje Poadižje. The Italian name is Trentino - Alto Adige, and the German name is Trentino - Südtirol. It is one of two federal states in Italy with a high degree of autonomy, while in South Tyrol, one of the two autonomous regions, the main language is German.
Before the Winter Olympics, an argument about official signs in Italian has flared up. In German-speaking Antholz, this creates criticism – and is now to be changed.
·Frankfurt, Germany
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In South Tyrol: Olympic Games in northern Italy have German twist
·Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Total News Sources36
Leaning Left4Leaning Right6Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 20%
C 50%
R 30%
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