Arena di Verona: June 5 'Italia loves UNESCO' celebrates Italy's 61

Arena di Verona: 'Campioni del Mondo. Italia loves UNESCO' on June 5

On June 5, 2026 the Arena di Verona will host a major evening dedicated to Italy's 61 UNESCO sites. The event aims to highlight national cultural heritage by combining music, opera and cuisine in a celebration addressed to an international audience.

The show will be presented by Milly Carlucci and broadcast live on Rai 1. Leading national and international performers are scheduled to appear, and the stage design will evoke iconic moments of the Italian operatic tradition.

What to expect

• Date: June 5, 2026
• Venue: Arena di Verona and surrounding areas (Piazza Bra)
• TV broadcast: Rai 1, live worldwide
• Line-up: prominent opera singers and international artists performing symphonic rearrangements
• Participation: more than 500 artists including musicians, dancers and extras, with the Arena Orchestra and Chorus

Side events and cultural impact

In addition to the main performance, Piazza Bra will host a large public dinner under the stars designed to engage the community and visitors, framing Italian culinary tradition as an intangible cultural asset.

The day will also include institutional sessions: presentations and discussions on the protection and enhancement of Italy's UNESCO sites, with international delegates and government representatives expected. Key topics include heritage tourism, funding strategies for conservation and the significance of the Venetian Villas in European cultural history.

Spotlight on Neapolitan song

A highlight of the evening will be the official launch of the nomination of the classic Neapolitan song for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The segment will start at the Teatro Filarmonico in Verona and culminate on the Arena stage, featuring performances and narratives that trace the genre's origins and cultural value.

Why attend

• An opportunity to experience a multidisciplinary show connecting music, history and culinary traditions.
• A chance to learn about policies for safeguarding Italy's UNESCO sites.
• International visibility for Italy's tangible and intangible heritage.

Details on tickets, broadcast times and access will be shared via the event organizers and Rai's official channels. The initiative is an important date for cultural tourism and the sustainable promotion of UNESCO sites across Italy.