Sanremo Festival towards farewell to Liguria? Gargano hypothesis emerges among the new locations

A fter more than seventy years of history, the Sanremo Festival could soon change home. The possibility of a move of the historic musical event away from the city of flowers is becoming increasingly concrete, as anticipated by Il Messaggero . Weighing on the possible divorce would be the now frayed relations between Rai and the Ligurian municipality, which have deteriorated in recent months for economic and logistical reasons. And among the alternatives under discussion, an unexpected but potentially disruptive name also emerges: Gargano .

One million more and lacking facilities: the rift with Sanremo

According to the Roman newspaper, the Ligurian city has asked for an increase of about one million euros to host the event, in addition to a percentage of advertising revenue. A request considered excessive by the Rai top brass, who have also been reflecting for some time on the adequacy of the Sanremo facilities, deemed no longer up to the task of an increasingly imposing event. The hypothesis of the transfer, therefore, is no longer just a far-fetched idea: they are already considering changing the location starting in 2027.

Coastal locations and recognizable identities: the alternatives in the running

Rai's orientation would be to keep the festival in a seaside location, but avoiding large cities. They are looking for iconic locations, easily accessible, recognizable and logistically capable of accommodating the public and production. There are three areas currently on the table: the Amalfi Coast, with Sorrento in the front row, Versilia (especially Viareggio ), and the Adriatic coast, where they are thinking of Rimini , Senigallia and — surprisingly — also Gargano .

The Gargano hypothesis: suggestion or winning card?

The Apulian promontory, a natural and scenic pearl of the Adriatic, would represent a highly symbolic choice. It could perfectly embody that idea of ​​a “great Italian province” evoked by some internal sources at Rai, who would see the festival as an opportunity to enhance territories outside the usual routes. An event like Sanremo in the heart of the Gargano National Park — between Peschici, Vieste, Monte Sant'Angelo or Manfredonia — would relaunch the entire territory under the national and international spotlight, attracting audiences, investments and tourism.

De Luca takes the field, Campania presses

Campania is among the most active regions for the candidacy, with Vincenzo De Luca already ready to offer logistical and economic support. But important players could also be moved in Puglia. The Gargano hypothesis would have the potential to catalyze the interest of more territorial entities, putting in place infrastructure and resources for a credible candidacy. The model could be that of the traveling festival, with a rotating location every two years.

“The festival is stronger than the place”: the new Rai course

In the reasoning of the Rai top brass, it is now clear: "The event is stronger than the place". The identity of the festival has gone beyond the confines of Sanremo, and can become a symbol of a broader, multifaceted Italy, all to be told. "From North to South there is a wonderful peninsula", they say from Viale Mazzini, "which lends itself perfectly as a stage for songs, cultural identity and live entertainment".

In this scenario, Gargano has the chance to not only be an exotic suggestion, but to become — with the right support — the new, unexpected capital of Italian song.

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