Festival Della Canzone Italiana, Italy

The historical competition of melodic Italian music is something Italians can't miss...

The show takes place at the Ariston theatre between February and March and it lasts approximately one week, culminating with the finals, always held on Saturday evening, when a composite jury proclaims the three winners of the competition. Since 1951, the Festival of Sanremo has hosted the golden years of Italian music, launching world-famous songs , such as Grazie dei Fiori by Nilla Pizzi and Volare by Domenico Modugno, although, over time, it has become less representative of Italian music.
Some very influential Italian music artists (Fabrizio de Andrè and the world-renowned Franco Battiato) never took part in the singing competition to avoid confusing their fans.
The Festival has also witnessed the tragedy of songwriter Luigi Tenco, found dead in his room in 1967, and after whom the city of Sanremo named the songwriter's review, held in November.