Feb 27 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy La Repubblica

Sanremo is like Italy: a phoenix that always rises again, even if we don't like it

The Sanremo festival is often criticized, with yearly assessments swinging between success and calls for revolution depending on its reception.

Critics of the Sanremo festival often dramatize its fate, noting that when the event fares well, it resonates with the collective spirit, but when it underperforms, there are doubts about its future and calls for significant changes. This annual evaluation reflects broader societal sentiments, linking the festival's ups and downs to the cultural mood of Italy itself. Renowned screenwriter Suso Cecchi d'Amico once commented on the unpredictable nature of artistic endeavors, suggesting that the reactions to Sanremo are symptomatic of a deeper cultural narrative.

The Sanremo festival has a rich history and serves as a significant touchstone for Italian music and culture, yet it remains a divisive topic. Each year, the festival not only showcases new talent but also ignites discussions around artistic value, creative direction, and national identity. As the festival approaches, passion runs high, with many Italians expressing a mix of excitement and skepticism about its lineup and format.

In this ongoing discourse, the festival has become emblematic of Italy's resilience, showcasing a unique ability to reinvent itself. Throughout its ups and downs, Sanremo continues to be a source of national pride and a reflection of the society from which it emerges, proving that like the phoenix, it will continue to rise from the ashes, regardless of criticism.

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