The magic of sport and the excitement of a major international challenge will light up Taranto: exactly one year before the Opening Ceremony of the XX Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026, the host city will officially unveil the countdown clock in a special ceremony held in front of the Palazzo di Città, the historic seat of the Municipality.

A symbolic event that marks the official start of the journey toward one of the most anticipated sporting events in the history of Southern Italy. The evening will be attended by Massimo Ferrarese, President of the Organising Committee, Davide Tizzano, President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, and Piero Bitetti, Mayor of Taranto, who will join the citizens in celebrating the first exciting step of a year that will lead the city to take centre stage across the Mediterranean basin on 21 August 2026 at 8:00 PM, the official start of the Games’ Opening Ceremony.

The highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the countdown clock, marking exactly 365 days to go until the Opening Ceremony. With a stunning spectacle of lights, music, and shared emotions, the countdown will serve as a visible symbol of the anticipation and preparations leading up to the event. It will be a living and constant reference point for citizens, athletes, and partners from three continents, and a tangible testimony of the collective commitment that drives Taranto 2026.

“This moment represents much more than the beginning of a countdown. It is the symbol of a collective commitment: of a community, a territory, and a great Mediterranean family that believes in sport as a force that unites, inspires, and builds. Taranto 2026 will be a celebration of excellence and cooperation, and this moment marks its official beginning,” said Massimo Ferrarese, President of the Organising Committee.

In tribute to the youth and talent of Taranto, the ceremony will feature the Youth Orchestra of the Magna Grecia, selected to showcase the city’s young artists and to unite sport and culture in a single, powerful narrative. The event will be hosted by journalist Monica Caradonna, a distinguished voice in Italian media and a proud Taranto native, who will also lead a talk with some top athletes from the region, exceptional witnesses to sport as a lifestyle and source of inspiration. To cap off the evening, the majestic Aragonese Castle will be illuminated with the colors of Italy and the symbols of the Mediterranean Games, providing a spectacular setting between sea and sky.

“The countdown we inaugurate this evening is a call to every citizen to be part of a journey that will lead us to a landmark international event. Taranto is ready to embrace this challenge with both a deep sense of responsibility and immense pride. The Mediterranean Games are far more than a sporting competition — they are an opportunity to showcase to the world the very best of our city: its history, its culture, and its warm hospitality. In 2026, Taranto will share its story with the Mediterranean and the global stage, driven by passion, determination, and a vision for the future,” declared Mayor Pietro Bitetti.

“On this 21st of August, we stand exactly one year before the Opening Ceremony of the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 — a date of deep symbolic significance, marking the start of the final chapter in our preparations. Today, we launch the official countdown to an event that will unite 26 nations and three continents in a celebration of sport, culture, and friendship.

For 75 years, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games has carried forward a proud legacy. Since the first edition in Alexandria in 1951, the Mediterranean Games have been far more than a sporting event. They are a bridge between peoples, a testament to our shared history, and a living embodiment of the values of Olympism: excellence, respect, and solidarity. Across decades, they have inspired generations of athletes, fostered understanding among diverse cultures, and strengthened the bonds that unite our Mediterranean family.

This day marks our first public celebration of Taranto 2026 and serves as a call to unity across our region. In exactly 365 days, the world will witness the opening of the Games — a moment that will write a new chapter in our rich history. Let us move forward together, with determination and pride, towards a Games that will honour our past and inspire our future,” stated President Davide Tizzano.

The XX Mediterranean Games will take place from 21 August to 3 September 2026, featuring 32 sports and welcoming 5,000 athletes from 26 countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia.