Sanliscio Festival
The only festival entirely dedicated to liscio, in the heart of the Riviera Romagnola
About Sanliscio
Sanliscio: Liscio Becomes a Festival
In the heart of the Romagna summer, in Gatteo Mare (Municipality of Gatteo, Province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna), the Sanliscio Festival celebrates the most iconic musical genre of this land: liscio. It is the only international event entirely dedicated to liscio dancing and dance orchestras, presented with a clear and ambitious format, a true singing competition modeled after the Sanremo Festival.
An Idea by Claudio Cecchetto, the Soul of Moreno 'Il Biondo'
The festival stems from an idea by producer and talent scout Claudio Cecchetto, who also gave it its name, and is produced and artistically directed by Moreno 'Il Biondo' Conficconi, one of the most authoritative names in contemporary liscio. As Cecchetto likes to say, Romagna is practically the only Italian region from which a musical genre truly originated: hence the idea of making it the protagonist of its own stage. The stated goal is twofold: to preserve tradition and at the same time modernize it, introducing young musicians and a new audience to a repertoire of waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, but also fusions with samba and bachata.
The Competition and the Arena Rubicone
The festival takes place at the Arena Rubicone, the open-air space in the Don Guanella Gardens on Via Antonio Gramsci, the pulsating heart of Gatteo Mare's summer evenings. For two consecutive nights, emerging and established artists take turns on stage: one evening is dedicated to original songs, the other to original instrumental tracks, with juries of experts, journalists, and industry professionals awarding prizes in both categories. Accompanying the contestants is the Sanliscio Festival Orchestra, while between competitions, the arena transforms into a dance floor with the protagonists' greatest hits.
Gatteo Mare, Capital of Liscio
It is no coincidence that the festival chose Gatteo Mare, recognized as the Capital of Liscio: this Riviera Romagnola resort dedicates an entire calendar of events to the genre, including the famous Settimana del Liscio (Liscio Week) in September. Sanliscio fits into this framework as the most spectacular and media-driven moment, organized with the patronage of the Municipality of Gatteo, the Department of Tourism of the Emilia-Romagna Region, and Visit Romagna.
- Two evenings of live musical competition
- Seven original songs and seven instrumental tracks in competition
- Festival Orchestra and open dancing for the public
- Completely free admission
Sanliscio — edition 2026
The fourth edition of the Sanliscio Festival takes place at the Arena Rubicone in Gatteo Mare, based on a concept by Claudio Cecchetto and with the artistic direction of Moreno 'Il Biondo' Conficconi. The evenings are hosted by Moreno 'Il Biondo' and Felicity Lucchesi. On stage, the Sanliscio Festival Orchestra accompanies seven original songs and seven instrumental pieces in competition, with prizes awarded by a jury of experts, journalists, and industry professionals. Between competitions, the arena becomes a dance floor with the 'Hit Party' of the protagonists.
Programme Sanliscio 2026
Wednesday, July 1st — Song Night
Competition among seven original songs performed by seven artists, judged by the jury for the prize in the vocal category. Following this, performances by instrumental musicians with their 'Hit Party 2026'.
- Federica Cocco — Pensiero d'Amore
- Matteo Bensi and Veronica Cuneo — Figlia dei Monti
- Diego Zamboni and Tonya Todisco — Stanza Fredda
- Andrea Barbanera — Romagna Vestita di Rosa
- Francesca Mazzuccato — Vorrei Fermare il Tempo
- Anna Maria Allegretti and Omar Lambertini — Stessa Anima
- Luca Bergamini — Fuori di Testa
Thursday, July 2nd — Instrumental Track Night
Competition among seven original instrumental tracks (waltz, polka, samba, bachata) by seven soloists, with the award for the instrumental category. The singers present their greatest hits.
- Marco Tagliavini — Il Poeta Romagnolo
- Claudio Zanardo — Il Mio Valzer per Te
- Fabio Barbero — Labirinto
- Matteo Tortora — Brasileira
- Alex Villani — Sensualidad
- Pamela Antolini — Passeggiata in Riviera
- Loris Casadei and Elia Righini — Guerriera
Both evenings start at 9:30 PM. An additional award ceremony is scheduled during the Settimana del Liscio in September.
Highlights Sanliscio 2026
Prices Sanliscio 2026
Practical information — Sanliscio
Where
Arena Rubicone, Via Antonio Gramsci snc (Giardini Don Guanella), 47043 Gatteo Mare (FC), Emilia-Romagna.
How to get there
By car, exit Cesena Nord or Rimini Nord from the A14 and then take the SS16 Adriatica. By train, Gatteo a Mare station on the Bologna-Ancona line, a few minutes' walk from the arena. Also accessible by public transport.
Times and admission
The evenings start at 9:30 PM. Admission is free.
Contacts
IAT Gatteo Mare, Piazza della Libertà 10 — tel. +39 0547 86083 — [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Sanliscio
Arena Rubicone
Via Antonio Gramsci snc (Giardini Don Guanella), 47043 Gatteo