Sanremo: The Festival That Stops Italy

Every February, the charming seaside town of Sanremo transforms into a dazzling spectacle of music, fashion, and entertainment. For over 70 years, the Sanremo Music Festival has enchanted audiences, turning the Ariston Theatre into a stage where careers are made, legends are born, and controversy often stirs the pot. Through shifting musical trends, the rise of talent shows, and even a global pandemic, Sanremo has remained a cultural cornerstone, holding strong as the world’s longest-running national music competition.

For any Italian singer, winning Sanremo is a career-defining moment. Champions walk away with massive media buzz, soaring record sales, and the coveted chance to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest, an event that Sanremo inspired. Italy has clinched Eurovision victory three times - most recently with Måneskin in 2021, following in the footsteps of Toto Cutugno (1990) and Gigliola Cinquetti (1964). 

Sanremo’s origins date back to 1951 when the town’s casino conceived the event to revitalize the local economy and boost tourism in the aftermath of World War II. That first edition, broadcast on national radio, featured just three contestants performing a total of 20 songs. By 1955, the event had made its television debut, cementing its status as an unmissable annual tradition. As Italy experienced rapid social and economic changes, Sanremo grew alongside it, reflecting the shifting cultural landscape of the country.

For many Italians, the festival is more than just a music competition; it’s a national ritual, woven into the collective memory and bridging generations. It brings together legendary icons of Italian music with emerging talents, creating a stage where past and present converge. Families gather around the television, discussing the performances, debating the winners, and reminiscing about past editions.

But one of the festival’s most significant contributions to Italian pop culture has been its role in shaping modern Italian music. A defining moment came in 1958 when Domenico Modugno performed "Nel blu dipinto di blu," better known as “Volare.” The song became a global anthem, earning two Grammy Awards and forever altering the course of Italian popular music. The festival reached its peak in the '80s and '90s when it played host to international superstars like Whitney Houston, Elton John, David Bowie, and Madonna. Their presence helped introduce Italian audiences to global music trends, expanding the country’s musical landscape.