For those who follow the Sanremo Festival every year, the Premio Tenco is one of the most interesting events to watch: it is not a copy of the Festival, but its most authoritative and reflective counterpoint. While Sanremo shines the spotlight on the competition and the general public, the Tenco focuses on songwriting, lyrics, writing, and artistic quality.
In 2026, the event is scheduled from October 21 to 24, taking place at the Ariston Theatre, the Club Tenco Headquarters, and the spaces of La Pigna. For Festival enthusiasts, it is the perfect opportunity to experience Sanremo in a different light: more intimate, more cultural, yet still deeply connected to Italian music.
Why It Interests Sanremo Fans
Many names that become popular at Sanremo find a different interpretation at the Tenco. Here, the rankings matter less than artistic identity, the evolution of the repertoire, and the power of a well-written song. This is why the Tenco appeals to those who follow the Festival not just for the competition, but to understand the true direction of Italian songwriting.
In practice, it is a way to ideally extend the Sanremo season: first, the focus on the Festival, then the curiosity for what remains, grows, and deepens within the songwriting scene. And Sanremo, with its iconic locations and the charm of the historic city, becomes the natural stage for this musical second act.
If you love Sanremo, the Tenco is a must-see event: it allows you to see the city through different eyes and reminds you that, behind the show, music lives primarily through words, ideas, and talent.
