Roman Song Festival (dedicated to Claudio Villa)

A new festival for an ancient tradition

In the summer of 2026, Rocca di Papa, a town in the Castelli Romani area near Rome, inaugurates the first edition of the Roman Song Festival, an event entirely dedicated to the musical heritage of the capital and its surrounding territory. The occasion is special: it marks the centenary of the birth of Claudio Villa, the Roman singer nicknamed the Reuccio, a symbolic voice of 20th-century Italian popular music. The Municipality of Rocca di Papa, with the support of the Lazio Region, has chosen to celebrate him not with a single commemorative evening, but with a full three-day festival.

The Medieval Fortress as a stage

The chosen venue is no coincidence. The Fortress, located at via dell'Osservatorio 40, is the oldest part of Rocca di Papa: a medieval complex that dominates the town from above, offering an open view of the Alban Hills, Lake Albano, and, on clear days, all the way to the coast. At over 700 meters above sea level, the summer evenings here enjoy a cool breeze not found in Rome, and the acoustics of the intimate space are perfect for the raw voice, which is the raw material of Roman song. An aperitif service is available every evening, turning the event into a complete stroll through the historic center.

The competition for young performers

The competitive heart of the event is the Roman Music Contest, reserved for solo singers under the age of forty. Duets, vocal groups, and bands are not allowed: participants perform solo, choosing two songs exclusively from the Roman traditional repertoire, one for the semi-final and one for the final. Registration is completely free, and access is granted through a video pre-selection, with material to be sent to the dedicated address by July 21st.

The jury evaluates vocal quality, interpretation, musicality, stage presence, and adherence to the Roman song tradition. The total prize pool exceeds 1,600 euros, distributed as follows:

• 600 euros for the first place
• 500 euros for the second place
• 300 euros for the third place
• 200 euros for the People's Jury Prize

More than the cash prize, however, the stage counts: the winners perform during the celebratory concert dedicated to Claudio Villa, in front of the largest audience of the three nights.

What is Roman song

Stornelli, serenades, and refrains born in the taverns of Trastevere and Testaccio: Roman song is a genre that spanned the entire 20th century, from radio festivals to the great voices of the post-war period. Claudio Villa was its most popular interpreter, capable of taking it from the city alleys to national stages without ever losing its accent. A festival that puts it back at the center today also has a value of transmission: entrusting that repertoire to performers under 40 means verifying that it is still alive and not just archival material.

More than just concerts

Alongside the performances, the program includes a photography exhibition dedicated to Roman music and its protagonists, as well as moments of encounter and storytelling about the artist's history and the capital's folk tradition. A choice that gives the event a broader cultural dimension than a simple concert lineup.

Rocca di Papa and the Castelli Romani

The festival is part of the summer calendar of the Castelli Romani, the hilly area southeast of Rome known for its villages overlooking volcanic lakes, Alban Hills wines, and one of the highest densities of festivals and patronal feasts in Lazio. Rocca di Papa, with its terraced historic center and medieval districts clinging to Monte Cavo, is one of the most evocative destinations in the area. Those who come for the festival will find the Castelli Romani Regional Park, trails leading to Monte Cavo, and local wineries within easy reach: more than enough reasons to extend the visit beyond the evening.

Free admission, but with reservation

Access to the shows is free, but reservations are required: the spaces at the Fortress are limited and capacity must be managed. A detail not to be overlooked for those arriving from Rome or neighboring towns.