La Notte dei Fiori takes shape at Pian di Nave
Rehearsals for the inaugural edition of "La Notte dei Fiori" ran into the night at Sanremo's Pian di Nave as technicians, musicians and artists put the finishing touches on the production before the recording scheduled for the evening of July 25, 2026. The piazzale has been transformed into an open-air television studio over recent weeks, with a large screen already in place to extend visibility for spectators gathered in the wider area. Fans waiting outside the fenced enclosure caught a glimpse of the work in progress, with singer-songwriter Marco Masini drawing particular applause at the end of his run-through.
Hosts and lineup for the inaugural edition
The show will be hosted by Nicola Savino and Elenoire Casalegno, with comic interludes from Federico Basso and Antonio Ornano. The performance roster brings together established Italian names and newer voices: Fabio Concato, Fabrizio Moro, Marco Masini, Tosca, Anna Tatangelo, Sabrina Salerno, Cristina D'Avena, Roshelle, the duo Maria Antonietta and Colombre, Angelica Bove, and Nicolò Filippucci, identified as the winner of the "Nuove proposte" category at the 2026 Festival. The programme is conceived as a tribute to the Ligurian cantautore tradition and to songs that have shaped the history of the Sanremo Festival.
New Rai–Comune convention expands beyond the Ariston
"La Notte dei Fiori" is the first major project to emerge from a new agreement between Rai and the Comune di Sanremo, intended to reinforce the city's relationship with public television beyond the annual Festival. In an interview published July 25, host Nicola Savino said the prospect of returning to Sanremo was the main reason he accepted the job, and expressed hope that the format could grow over coming years as a venue dedicated to Italian songwriter heritage. He also acknowledged past negotiations between Rai and Festival organisers that explored contingency options beyond the Teatro Ariston.
Raiz concert caps the Sanremo Summer Symphony
Separately, the auditorium Franco Alfano hosted a concert by Naples-born artist Raiz, accompanied by the Orchestra Sinfonica di Sanremo under conductor Enzo Campagnoli as part of the "Sanremo Summer Symphony 2026" programme. The set drew on Raiz's work with the Almamegretta and paid tribute to Neapolitan songwriting figures such as Pino Daniele and Enzo Gragnaniello. After the performance, Raiz received the Premio Mida, an award given in the framework of the Premio Roberto Murolo that he had been unable to collect at the official ceremony on March 28. The prize was presented by Sonia Balestra, a member of the Casinò di Sanremo board.
Rumors swirl around the next edition of the Festival
Italian outlets reported renewed attention on the 2027 Festival, citing unconfirmed changes including a possible abolition of the "Nuove proposte" category, with only the winner of Sanremo Giovani advancing and other emerging artists showcased in prime-time programmes such as "Affari Tuoi." Sources also referenced ongoing negotiations between Rai and the Orchestra Sinfonica and the Area Sanremo competition that diverge from the framework of the new convention, which previously guaranteed direct Festival entry to both Sanremo Giovani winners. Savino said he had not spoken with the presumed incoming artistic director, identified in coverage as Stefano, about the proposals, but suggested that any restructuring would not compromise young artists' visibility.
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