Cantagiro

The Cantagiro was an Italian summer singing competition that took place annually from 1962 to 1972, and then again in a revived form from 1977 to 1980. The name "Cantagiro" translates roughly to "Singing Tour."

The format was unique in that participating singers, both established and emerging artists, would travel to different Italian cities to perform their songs live. The tour itself became a spectacle, with the caravan of musicians and support staff drawing large crowds at each stop. Performances were often held in town squares or other public spaces.

The Cantagiro was significant in the Italian music scene for several reasons. It provided a platform for popular music outside of the Sanremo Music Festival, which had traditionally dominated Italian song competitions. It also promoted Italian popular music across different regions of the country, fostering a sense of national musical identity.

The competition had a tiered system, allowing new talents to compete against more established singers. Winners were chosen through a combination of jury votes and public opinion. The Cantagiro helped launch the careers of many successful Italian singers and songwriters.

While the original Cantagiro ended in 1972 due to changing musical tastes and organizational challenges, its legacy remains significant in the history of Italian popular music. The revival attempts in the late 1970s were less successful in capturing the original's popularity.