Sanremo 2026: Music Festival Preparations and Cycling Classics
London, 17 February 2026 – The Italian coastal city of Sanremo is currently the focus of international attention as it prepares for the 76th edition of its world-renowned music festival. Beyond the cultural festivities, the sporting world is also turning its gaze toward the Italian Riviera, with elite cyclists confirming their schedules for the upcoming Milan-San Remo Monument race. Meanwhile, the region’s commercial landscape has seen significant shifts following the permanent closure of the San Remo perfumery chain in Catalonia.
76th Sanremo Music Festival: Key Developments
The 2026 Festival di Sanremo is scheduled to take place from 24 February to 28 February 2026. This year’s event, hosted by Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini, has already made history. For the first time, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, held an audience at the Quirinale Palace to honour the presenters and competing artists, highlighting the festival’s status as a pillar of Italian cultural heritage.
In a major boost for the final night, legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli has confirmed his return to the Ariston stage. Bocelli, who rose to fame after winning the ‘newcomers’ category in 1994, will perform on the final evening. International interest remains high, with the Romanian broadcaster TVR confirming it will televise the event for the third consecutive year. Corporate partnerships have also been finalised, with Generali and Rowenta joining as official partners for the 76th edition.
Milan-San Remo: Cycling Stars Set Schedules
As the first major “Monument” of the professional cycling season approaches, Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck has revealed a revised spring programme. Philipsen, a specialist in one-day classics, will prioritise Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in 2026, notably omitting the Tour of Flanders from his calendar. He is expected to share leadership duties with teammate Mathieu van der Poel.
The race, known as “La Primavera,” remains the longest professional one-day event in Europe at 298 kilometres. Discussions within the peloton suggest a highly competitive field, with Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel also linked to the spring classics, though Pogačar has stated he is “not obsessed” with the victory despite his consistent performance in the race’s final climbs.
Sanremo: Key Facts and Figures
The following table provides essential data regarding the city of Sanremo and its primary annual events based on verified records.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Liguria Region, Italian Riviera, Italy |
| Population | Approximately 55,000 |
| Music Festival Dates | 24 February – 28 February 2026 |
| Festival Hosts | Carlo Conti and Laura Pausini |
| Cycling Race Distance | 298 Kilometres (Milan to Sanremo) |
| Economic Note | San Remo Perfumeries (Catalonia) closed February 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting the Sanremo Music Festival in 2026?
The 76th edition of the festival is being hosted by Carlo Conti and the internationally acclaimed singer Laura Pausini.
When does the Milan-San Remo cycling race take place?
While the music festival occurs in late February, the Milan-San Remo cycling classic traditionally follows in March as the opening Monument of the spring season.
Is Andrea Bocelli performing this year?
Yes, Andrea Bocelli is confirmed to make a special comeback performance on the final night of the festival, 28 February 2026.
What happened to the San Remo perfumery chain?
The Catalan perfumery chain San Remo officially closed all 25 of its stores in February 2026, resulting in 115 redundancies following a workforce reduction plan initiated in 2025.