Miss and Mister Ladispoli

A staple of the Ladispoli summer

Every August, Piazza Roberto Rossellini, the open-air living room of Ladispoli, transforms into a runway. Miss and Mister Ladispoli is one of the most anticipated events in the municipal summer calendar of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in Lazio: two consecutive nights where young people from the coast and across the region walk the runway before an audience of locals and holidaymakers, just steps from the beach and the promenade.

The format follows the classic tradition of public beauty pageants but with a modern twist: alongside the main Miss and Mister Ladispoli titles, the event awards prizes in the Over 40, Curvy, Miss Cinema, and Miss Fashion categories. This inclusive approach has broadened the event's appeal, engaging diverse generations and body types with each passing year.

Connection to the World Top Model circuit

The competition extends beyond the local stage: Miss and Mister Ladispoli is linked to the international World Top Model circuit, overseen by patron Fiore Tondi, who serves on the jury. Winners gain direct access to the national finals held in September in Puglia, where they compete against finalists from other Italian stages. For many participants, the Ladispoli square represents the first step toward a potential career in fashion and show business.

How the evenings unfold

The two nights typically begin at 9:30 PM and continue late into the evening, alternating contestant walks with musical interludes, dance performances, and entertainment hosted by the presenters. In recent editions, the event has been hosted by Alessandra Fattoruso, representative of the Tamà association which manages the organization, alongside Vincenzo Della Corte. The first night is dedicated to selections and initial rounds, while the second hosts the final runway show, the crowning, and the awarding of the sashes.

• Free admission to both evenings
• Fashion shows featuring evening wear, casual, and beachwear
• Categories: Miss, Mister, Over 40, Curvy, Cinema, and Fashion
• Technical jury featuring fashion industry professionals
• Musical and choreographic interludes between segments

Ladispoli in summer: sea and square

Ladispoli is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the coast north of Rome, known for its dark volcanic sand beaches, a multi-kilometer promenade, and a vibrant nightlife centered around Piazza Rossellini—named after the director who filmed several of his movies here. In summer, the square hosts the entire municipal program, from concerts by major artists at the Ladispoli Summer Fest to theater and cabaret nights, all free of charge.

Visitors arriving for Miss and Mister Ladispoli will find a city in full swing: restaurants and kiosks open late, evening markets along the promenade, and the chance to combine the event with a day at the beach or a visit to the nearby Bosco di Palo Laziale, a WWF nature oasis, and the Etruscan sites of Cerveteri, just a few minutes' drive away.

A community event

Beyond the sashes and the runway, the festival remains a true community gathering: contestants' families fill the square's seating, local shopkeepers watch from their storefronts, and the public participates with applause and cheers. It is this grassroots spirit, rather than the competition itself, that explains why the pageant has returned every summer for over twenty years.