The 75th edition of the Festival di Sanremo is set to be one of the most anticipated musical events of 2025, as it will continue its long tradition of showcasing Italian music and culture. On February 15, 2025, Carlo Conti is prepared to step onto the stage, taking over the reins from Amadeus, who has successfully led the festival for the past five years.
The Festival di Sanremo made its debut back in 1951, hosted by the charismatic Nunzio Filogamo, known for his affability and connection with the audience. Filogamo began the festival from the prestigious Casinò of Sanremo, overseeing only three competing singers: Nilla Pizzi, the Duo Fasano, and Achille Togliani. His famous opening line, “Miei cari amici vicini e lontani, buonasera ovunque voi siate!” will forever echo through the annals of the festival’s history.
Over the decades, Sanremo has welcomed numerous renowned hosts, with Pippo Baudo holding the record for the most editions presented, totaling 13. He became synonymous with the festival, entertaining audiences with his engaging style and emotional storytelling. Following closely is Mike Bongiorno, who hosted the event for 11 years. Each host has contributed to the festival's character, making it not just about the music, but also about the show's identity.
Since 2019, Amadeus revitalized the festival, consistently achieving high ratings and attracting younger audiences. His unique style, interspersed with anecdotes and humor, brought freshness to the long-established event. Under his lead, the festival merged tradition with contemporary relevance, appealing to diverse demographics and keeping the spirit of Sanremo alive.
Now, Carlo Conti is set to inherit this challenging task. With three prior editions under his belt, Conti aims to maintain the festival's high energy, bringing along 12 co-hosts to engage with the audience. The upcoming show not only marks its 75th milestone but also commemorates the 300th performance night of the festival, layering the event with history and significance.
This edition will feature several noteworthy participants. Federica Abbate holds the record as the author with the most songs presented this year, boasting six entries. Among big-name artists participating, Marcella Bella returns for her ninth appearance, joined by Massimo Ranieri and Noemi, each taking the stage for the eighth time, showcasing the festival's consistent support for established talent alongside newcomers.
Sanremo is not just entertainment; it acts as a cultural touchstone reflecting Italy's societal changes over time. Encapsulating the mood of the nation, the festival often intertwines music with historical significance. For example, Nilla Pizzi’s 1952 hit “Vola Colomba” cleverly referenced territorial disputes, illustrating how music serves as commentary on contemporary issues.
Historically, Sanremo has been the theater for significant social discourse, from protests to artistic expressions pushing against the conservative boundaries of Italian television. The 1978 performance by Rino Gaetano daringly introduced the term “sesso” to the festival's lexicon, challenging societal norms and showcasing how the festival has long been at the forefront of cultural debate.
While Sanremo invites glitz and glamour, it remains grounded as a platform for raising awareness on social issues. The 1995 festival shocked audiences when Pino Pagano attempted suicide on stage, leading to discussions about mental health and the pressures faced by performers.
Looking forward to this 75th edition, the festival continues to build on its rich history, delivering captivating performances and fostering discussions on contemporary Italian life. With Carlo Conti at the helm and the stage prepared for another memorable event, the Festival di Sanremo promises to engage and entertain, maintaining its status as Italy’s premier music festival.
From its humble beginnings to becoming the cultural cornerstone of Italian music, the festival endures, proving the lyrics of its performances are as relevant today as they were decades ago. Sanremo remains not just about competition, but about nurturing the arts, celebrating the past, and boldly stepping toward the future.