Sanremo Music Festival 2025 in Italy

Since its inception in 1950, the Festival of the Italian Song of San Remo has grown to become one of the most significant cultural events in Italy.

Festival Highlights

Sanremo, located in Liguria, hosts the annual "Festival of the Italian Song" in the prestigious Ariston Theater. The Sanremo Music Festival is more than just a music competition; it is the premier music event on Italian television, drawing significant media attention and large audiences. Since 2015, the festival has also functioned as Italy's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Competition

The Sanremo Music Festival features songs performed in Italian or regional languages, with awards given to the top three most-voted songs and additional honors like the Critics' Award. The competition is divided into two main categories: “Big Artists”, showcasing established stars, and “Newcomers”, offering a platform for emerging talent. The festival has launched the careers of many renowned Italian artists, including Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, and Måneskin.

Schedule

The 75th edition of the Sanremo Music Festival will be held from February 4 to 8, 2025, with Carlo Conti serving as both host and artistic director. The schedule is as follows: the first semi-final on February 4, the second semi-final on February 5, the third semi-final on February 6, and the fourth semi-final on February 7. The grand final will take place on February 8, 2025.

Tickets

The Sanremo Festival ticket office is managed by RAI, the Italian radio and television network that organizes the event. Due to limited seating at the Ariston Theatre, tickets are in high demand. They can usually be purchased on the official Teatro Ariston website, with prices ranging from €110 for the first four nights to €760 for the final night.

Location

The Ariston Theatre, the largest in Sanremo and one of Italy's most renowned cinema-theatres, boasts a famous facade that has become iconic in the collective imagination of Italians. Even those who have never been to Sanremo find it familiar, thanks largely to its role as the host of the Sanremo Festival, the nation's most important and popular singing competition for over 30 years.

History of the Festival

In the aftermath of World War II, Sanremo sought to revitalize its economy and reputation by creating an annual music festival. Initially, the Italian Song Festival (Festival della Canzone Italiana) was held in Viareggio in 1948 and 1949, based on an idea by Aldo Valleroni. Financial issues halted the competition in 1950.

In 1950, Piero Bussetti and Giulio Razzi relaunched the idea in Sanremo, leading to the first Festival della Canzone Italiana at the Sanremo Casino on January 29-31, 1951. Broadcast by Rete Rossa, it featured performances by Nilla Pizzi, Duo Fasano, and Achille Togliani. Television's introduction in 1954 elevated the festival into a major cultural phenomenon.