Classic Neapolitan Song nominated for UNESCO: launch at the Arena di Verona

Date: 5 June 2026 — Venue: Arena di Verona, P.za Bra 1, Verona, Italy

The proposal to inscribe the classic Neapolitan song as an intangible UNESCO heritage advances with a public launch aimed at highlighting the repertoire’s historical, social and cultural significance. The initiative focuses on the collective value of melodies and lyrics that have shaped Italian musical culture.

• Event and broadcast: 5 June 2026, live on RaiUno;
• Venue: Arena di Verona (P.za Bra 1);
• Campaign ambassador: Sal Da Vinci;
• Featured artists: Massimo Ranieri, Gigi D’Alessio, Serena Rossi, Vittorio Grigolo, with international guests Placido Domingo and Patti Smith;
• Scientific dossier: prepared by a study group led by Renzo Arbore, providing scholarly context on the repertoire’s significance.

The program will present representative songs such as "Te voglio bene assaje", "Era de maggio", "’O surdato ’nnammurato" and "Dicitencello vuje", designed to demonstrate the repertoire’s cultural importance. Performances and academic contributions will accompany the dossier submission to international cultural authorities.

Practical note: those unable to attend in person can follow the evening on RaiUno. The candidacy is a concrete step toward international recognition and aims to protect and promote the classic Neapolitan song as a shared intangible heritage.