Every February, Italians sit in front of their TVs for the Sanremo Music Festival, officially the Festival della Canzone Italiana. This year, it starts today and runs all week. Sanremo does more than show songs — it brings families, friends, and colleagues together. Even if you don’t speak Italian well, you can still enjoy its humor, drama, and pop culture.
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A Festival That Connects People
Sanremo began in 1951 to celebrate Italian music. Over time, it became a national tradition that millions follow. Families eat dinner while watching. Colleagues talk about outfits at work. Friends debate the best songs online. Also, during Sanremo week, TV schedules change and some regular shows do not air simply because everyone is focused on the festival.
In a country with many regions and dialects, Sanremo unites Italians where food often fails. People sing the same songs and laugh at the same jokes across the nation.
Stories of Drama and Humor
Sanremo has given Italy many unforgettable moments. In 2020, Morgan shocked viewers by changing the lyrics during a duet with Bugo. Bugo walked off the stage, and Morgan sat at the piano asking, “What’s going on?” This moment became a viral meme across Italy.
Meanwhile, in 1967, singer‑songwriter Luigi Tenco ended his life after his song was eliminated from the competition. Italians still remember this tragic moment as one of the darkest in Sanremo’s history.
Sanremo also has moments that make people laugh or scratch their heads. In 1986, Loredana Bertè walked on stage wearing a fake pregnancy bump to show strength and challenge norms — a bold statement that caused huge controversy at the time.
Then in 1989, Marisa Laurito performed a funny ode to the famous babà pastry, singing about how “love comes and goes, but macaroni stays.”
Over the years, international stars have joined the fun too. In 1984, Freddie Mercury protested lip‑sync rules by playfully pulling the microphone away from his mouth during his set.
Furthermore, Sanremo isn’t afraid of theatrical looks. From singers in glittery jumpsuits to bold makeup that sparks social media chatter, fashion on that stage often creates as much buzz as the music itself.
How Voting Works
Understanding the voting system helps new viewers follow the festival:
1. Juries vote each night
- The expert jury includes music professionals.
- The press jury includes journalists.
- A sample of the public — the demoscopic poll — represents everyday listeners.
2. Viewers vote too
You can vote with phone, SMS, or official apps. These televotes show which songs the public loves most.
3. The show combines all vot
Early rounds give more power to the juries. During the final night, televotes count more.
4. At the end, the winner is chosen
The combined votes from each jury decide who takes the top prize.
Why You Should Watch
For foreigners living in Italy, Sanremo isn’t just about music. It reveals Italian culture, humor, and emotions. Also, it shows what people discuss for a whole week. You can enjoy glitzy performances, viral moments, and playful debates. In short, Sanremo is not just a festival — it is a shared tradition that brings a whole country together.
