Trouble in Liguria: RAI Issues Ultimatum to Sanremo Over Festival Future

As if Eurovision-style drama weren’t enough, Italy’s own Festival di Sanremo is facing a backstage soap opera of its own. The RAI — Italy’s public broadcaster and self-proclaimed guardian of glitter, ballads and patriotic tears — has politely but firmly told the Municipality of Sanremo to pull its weight, or risk watching the iconic festival pack its sequins and go elsewhere.

Yes, really.

A festival with no stage? Say it ain’t so!

While city officials have attempted to project an image of harmony, the truth appears to be more out of tune. According to insiders, RAI recently fired a warning shot: unless an agreement is reached by the end of August, the 2026 edition of the Festival may not take place in the beloved Ligurian town at all.

RAI’s demands? Not exactly extravagant. They’re simply asking Sanremo to assist with hotel partnerships and logistical support, especially considering the hefty costs already borne by RAI and FIMI (the Italian Music Industry Federation) for artists and staff. As it stands, some delegations are reportedly forced to seek accommodation as far afield as Nice, France — because apparently, even Eurovision-sized dreams can’t fit inside the Ariston.

FIMI: «Do your bit, or we do the Festival somewhere else»

FIMI’s CEO, Enzo Mazza, met with RAI CEO Giampaolo Rossi this week, and the message was crystal clear: the Festival is a national cultural gem, not just a charming week of televised chaos. And if Sanremo wants to keep hosting it, it’s time to invest — not just bask in the economic afterglow.

RAI, for its part, has already paid significant sums over the years — not just for the shows themselves, but for the considerable side costs. And while the city has benefited enormously from the event’s tourism and prestige, it hasn’t exactly been reaching for its chequebook.

Remember the Palafestival? RAI does

Let’s rewind to 1995. Back then, millions of euros were allocated with one key condition: that Sanremo would construct a new, modern venue — the mythical Palafestival — to replace the charming but cramped Teatro Ariston. Fast forward nearly three decades, and what do we have? An empty lot and a lot of shrugged shoulders.

RAI’s patience, it seems, is finally running low.

Final curtain call?

If Sanremo doesn’t respond with firm commitments before the end of August, RAI and FIMI could decide to take their glamorous show elsewhere. With RAI’s technical prowess and FIMI’s industry might, pulling off a reimagined Festival in a new location isn’t as far-fetched as it once sounded. And Sanremo? It would be left humming the outro alone.

So, dear Sanremo, it’s decision time. Will you build the stage — or be left out of the spotlight?

Source: Affari Italiani