L’Anno che Verrà - Rai New Year's Eve 2026 in Catanzaro

For the third consecutive year, after Crotone and Reggio Calabria, Rai's New Year's Eve show "L'Anno che Verrà" returns to the region. This traditional artistic event bids farewell to 2025 and celebrates the arrival of 2026 with musical guests and celebrities. This time, the eagerly awaited Rai New Year's Eve show will be held in the city of Catanzaro, the regional capital. The chosen location? The "Stefano Pugliese" Seafront in the seaside district of Catanzaro Lido, with the Blue Flag beach and the Giovino Dunes Nature Reserve providing the backdrop for this major event.

Marco Liorni will once again host Rai's New Year's Eve celebrations in Calabria. As usual, old glories and young stars from the national music scene will take turns on stage. Rai's New Year's Eve in Catanzaro will be broadcast live nationwide on the evening of 31st December on Rai 1, an unmissable opportunity to share in the festive atmosphere and follow the story of the artistic and natural beauty of the city and the region.

What to see in Catanzaro

Known as the "City between Two Seas", nestled between the Ionian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the so-called "Sila Piccola", Catanzaro is also the "City of the Three Vs": Wind, Velvet and Vitaliano (the beloved patron saint). Catanzaro is divided into three main areas: the historic centre, located on a panoramic hill and accessible via its large bridges - including the iconic Bisantis Bridge, a futuristic work by Riccardo Morandi - the marina of Catanzaro Lido and the business and cultural centre of Germaneto, home to the "Magna Graecia" University, the University Hospital and the administrative offices of the Regional Citadel.  

Among the places not to be missed along Corso Mazzini are the monumental Cavatore Fountain, the Cathedral with the Chapel of San Vitaliano (which houses relics), the Baroque-style Church of Monte dei Morti, and the San Giovanni Monumental Complex, which incorporates part of the ancient city walls and hosts exhibitions and cultural events. For the more romantic, we recommend losing yourself in the alleys and oldest neighbourhoods of Old Catanzaro, such as the Giudecca, linked to the ancient presence of the Jewish community in the city and the centuries-old production of Catanzaro silk; or immerse yourself in the fascinating journey of discovery of Underground Catanzaro.

What to do in Catanzaro

If you have decided to celebrate Rai New Year's Eve in Catanzaro, while waiting for the countdown, you can visit the city's many museums and discover a series of truly unique themed itineraries. Start at MARCA – Catanzaro Museum of Arts, a multifunctional museum complex that exhibits valuable art collections, and continue on to the museums grouped together in the wonderful Mediterranean Biodiversity Park, an oasis in the centre of the city that houses MUSMI – Military History Museum and a series of prestigious open-air contemporary artworks. Staying on the theme of contemporary art and urban trekking, street art lovers should not miss the MUDIAC - Diffused Museum of Contemporary Art in Catanzaro, which combines the historic centre, suburbs and marina of Catanzaro Lido. Do you love nature? Don't miss the excursions to discover the Sila National Park and the mountain tourist villages, offering sports and tastings.

What to eat in Catanzaro

You cannot leave Catanzaro without tasting the king of the table: the characteristic Morzello Catanzarese (morzèddhu ca pitta), succulent street food born from poor and popular cuisine based on veal offal cooked in sauce, served in the traditional wheel-shaped bread. Don't eat meat? Don't worry, there's a version made with salt cod! Among the traditional dishes, you can't miss the Tiàna Catanzarese, prepared mainly on festive occasions (Easter) but to be enjoyed all year round: it is delicious lamb au gratin, accompanied by artichokes, peas and potatoes. Finally, there are the typical desserts, such as the delicious pitta 'nchiùsa, made with dried fruit, spices and honey in the shape of intertwined roses. Where to eat in Catanzaro? You are spoilt for choice, from Michelin-starred restaurants to trattorias and farmhouses in the hills.

Where to stay in Catanzaro

The countdown to Rai's New Year's Eve celebrations in Catanzaro has begun, so what are you waiting for? Book now! Catanzaro awaits you for an unforgettable New Year's Eve: find out where to stay in the city and book the accommodation that's right for you.