'Satanic Symbolism' at the Olympics? Viral videos of lit cauldrons spark 'occult' imagery allegations

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have become the grounds of netizen rage and 'satanic' controversy after videos of the opening ceremony went viral on social media. Users have alleged that the shape of the Olympic cauldron resembles the satanic pentagram, which is involved in satanic rituals.

Considering the recent release of Epstein files and rumours of the association of the world's elite with demonic identities such as 'Baal' the videos have fuelled conspiracies of occult associations of the rich.

The Olympic opening ceremony

On Friday, February 6, 2026, the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics took place across multiple locations. The majority of the ceremonies were held at Milan's San Siro stadium, with smaller events being held at Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Due to the two host cities, two Olympic cauldrons were lit by the Olympic torch at the conclusion of the ceremonies: one in Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) in Milan and one at Cortina d’Ampezzo’s main square.Italian Olympic champion Sofia Goggia served as the final torchbearer, lighting the cauldron in a globally broadcasted moment. As the videos began circulating online, many raised allegations of the cauldron resembling 'satanic symbolism'.

"Satanic symbolism at the Olympics. When will we overthrow the rule of pedophiles and Satanist," wrote one on X."Not even disguised. Just pentagrams of flame, prison planets, lord of the Rings, Saturn worship and inversion all over. No biggie," added another. "It really doesn’t get any more IN YOUR FACE than this… A clearly visible upside-down pentagram at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. Revelation of the method.

As if you needed more PROOF that this world is run by satan and his minions," responded one.

What do the 'satanic symbolism' claims mean

Many called the cauldrons to resemble an upside-down pentagram also known as a satanic pentagram or demonic eye. It is linked to the Church of Satan and the Sigil of Baphomet, with the associations dating back to the mid-19th and 20th centuries. A five-pointed star has also been used as a positive symbol in Christian, Islamic and pagan traditions.

However, the viewers have focused on the kinetic structure of the cauldron, which expands and contracts during the ceremony, creating lines that many have interpreted as pentagrams. Not only the cauldron, but some even questioned the spiral pattern on stage during performances and the simultaneous lighting of two cauldrons. An X user, compared the "large spiral/vortex stage design" to that of a demonic portal "especially with smoke, flashes, and colour shifts to orange and red). They also referred to the lighting of two cauldrons as invoking the twin pillars of Boaz and Jachin that stood at the porch of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. While biblical, these are deeply used in occult practices as symbols of duality.

What does the Olympic cauldron stand for?

For most, the Olympic cauldron stands as a symbol of unity, continuity and the beginning of the long-awaited games. This year, it was designed by Italian creative director Marco Balich in collaboration with Fincantieri.

The structure draws inspiration from Renaissance geometry and the interlaced "knots" found in Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks. Consisting of 1,440 components and 244 pivot points, it is made from lightweight aeronautical aluminium. Its diameter expands from approximately 3.1 metres when closed to 4.5 metres when fully open. The kinetic motion was intended to reflect movement, unity, and transformation, rather than ritual or ideology. Designed to expand and contract, the cauldrons protect the Olympic flame, which is enclosed in a glass and metal container. Their creation also involved efforts at sustainability with no material fallout, low acoustic impact, minimal smoke emissions and safety in public. The use of red and orange lighting was done to evoke fire and struggle drawing on the imagery of Inferno. As per historians these elements were intended as literary homage. Additionally, two cauldrons were lit simultaneously as a depiction of unity between the two cities of Milan and Cortina. Olympic officials confirmed it was a logistical and artistic choice, marking a first in Winter Games history. Considering many of the world's leaders were present at the ceremony, the imagery and link to occult practices may have been a dig at their presence and inclusion rather than a confirmation of occult association.