Yesterday we talk about Sanremo Festival, and today we start from Sanremo to see something different, but connected to Sanremo Festival itself.
Every year, the Festival di Sanremo captures the attention of millions across Italy. For rest of the World discovering it for the first time, think of it as a mix between the Grammys and a nationwide cultural event — a music competition that has shaped Italian pop culture for over 70 years.
What many visitors from the around the world don’t realize is that one of the awards connected to this iconic festival has its origins in one of the most breathtaking cities in the world: Venice.
Venice is not just gondolas and romantic sunsets. For centuries, it has been a powerhouse of artistic craftsmanship — from Murano glass to fine goldsmithing and contemporary sculpture. It’s a city where art is not only displayed in museums, but created daily in workshops tucked behind quiet canals.
It is here that a prestigious award associated with the Sanremo Festival is conceived and crafted. Designed and produced by Venetian artisans, the trophy carries with it the legacy of a city that has influenced global art and design for generations.
The award then travels across northern Italy to the elegant Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, where it is presented live on stage during the festival. In that moment, under bright lights and national television coverage, Venice and Sanremo symbolically meet.
If you're planning a trip to Italy, understanding these cultural connections adds a deeper layer to your experience.
In Venice, you witness centuries-old craftsmanship in action, and later in Sanremo, you see how music continues to shape modern Italian identity, and together, they tell a story of how tradition and innovation coexist in Italy.
For foreigner travelers used to large-scale award shows, the Sanremo Festival offers something uniquely Italian: a celebration where artistry, history, and national pride intertwine. Knowing that an award on that famous stage was born in a Venetian workshop makes the experience even more meaningful.
The journey of this award — from the quiet artisan studios of Venice to the glamorous stage of Sanremo — represents more than geography. It reflects Italy’s deep respect for craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural continuity.
So the next time you stroll through Venice’s winding streets or hear about the Festival di Sanremo, remember: behind the spotlight and applause lies a story that begins in the lagoon — a story of art, heritage, and passion that defines Italy itself.
And for American visitors, it’s yet another reason to look beyond the postcard views and discover the living culture that makes Italy unforgettable.