Feb 23 • 03:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Sanremo, records and scandals: the ten curiosities that have made the history of the Festival

The article discusses notable aspects and curiosities of the Sanremo Festival, including historical records and key figures associated with the event.

The Sanremo Festival, a significant event in Italian entertainment, has a long and storied history, with notable presenters such as Pippo Baudo leading for a total of 13 editions from 1968 to 2008. He is recognized as the 'king of Sanremo' due to his influence and ability to showcase emerging talent. The festival began in 1951 as a radio event, marking the beginning of an important cultural celebration in Italy. In addition to Baudo, Mike Bongiorno remains a historical figure, having hosted 11 editions and becoming synonymous with the festival in the 60s and 70s.

Antonella Clerici broke new ground as the first and only woman to host the festival in 2010, following Maria Giovanna Elmi who was the first woman to present it in 1978. These milestones highlight the evolving role of women in Italian broadcasting and the festival's rich history in cultural representation. Furthermore, the festival has seen record viewership figures, such as the impressive ratings achieved in 2024 under host Amadeus, which revived the event's popularity reminiscent of its peak three decades earlier.

As the festival gears up to dominate Italian television and public discourse over a week, these curiosities not only enrich the event's lore but also underscore its impact on Italian society and entertainment. The intertwining of scandal, talent, and historical significance makes the Sanremo Festival a unique focal point of Italian cultural identity, continuing to capture the attention of both fans and critics alike.

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