The 2026 edition of the Zecchino d’Oro, Italy’s long-running children’s song competition, will be broadcast from Rome in prime time. Organizers confirmed the temporary relocation due to ongoing structural renovations at the event’s historic home in Bologna.
Key Takeaways
- Broadcast location: The 2026 competition will move to Rome to accommodate production requirements.
- Reason for change: The Antoniano studios in Bologna are currently undergoing major renovations.
- Prime time slot: The event will maintain its prime time television schedule despite the venue change.
- Planned return: The competition is scheduled to return to its traditional Bologna studios in 2027.
Relocation Details
The Antoniano, the institution that produces the Zecchino d’Oro, announced that the facility requires significant updates. These renovations have necessitated moving the production to a new site for the upcoming year. While the event is synonymous with Bologna, producers stated that the move to Rome is a temporary measure to ensure the show continues uninterrupted.
Future Outlook
Planning for the 2027 edition is already underway, with the intent to resume broadcasts from the updated Antoniano studios. The Zecchino d’Oro has been a staple of Italian television since 1959, traditionally featuring original songs performed by children. The production team emphasized that the format and scheduling of the show will remain consistent with past editions during this transition period.
Why it matters: The Zecchino d’Oro is a significant cultural institution in Italy, and its temporary displacement highlights the logistical challenges faced by long-running media productions when physical infrastructure requires modernization. For viewers, the move represents a rare departure from the show’s historic Bologna roots, though producers have assured a return to tradition within a year.