The 40th edition of the Amoremio Cabaret in Grottammare is underway: the guests.

Grottammare (Ascoli Piceno), August 1, 2025 – In just a few hours, the fortieth edition of 'Cabaret amoremio' , Italy's longest-running national humor festival, kicks off for the second year under the direction of Luca Sestili. Promoters, guests, and contestants gathered at the Hotel Roma, the Cabaret's headquarters for years, late this morning, and will be livening up the show starting this evening on the lawn of the seafront balcony.

"It's now an institution encompassing all forms of comedy," said Tourism and Culture Councilor Lorenzo Rossi . "It's a show produced by the Municipality in collaboration with Amat (National Association of Italian Tourist Boards) and with the support of other organizations." These include BCC del Piceno, represented by President Sandro Donati; Picenambiente, represented by Vice President Daniele Mariani ; and private companies like Pea Cosmetics of Pedaso, represented by co-owner Pietro Antonante. Many guests will take to the stage, in addition to the contestants, who will showcase all genres of comedy.

Roberto Lipari, joined by Diviniles—Italy's first all-female Swing & Roll band—will host the show. This evening , Vincenzo Comunale, Tiberio Cosmin, Antonio Mezzancella, and Andrea Delogu are expected. Among the performers at the premiere are two leading figures in Italian stand-up comedy: Filippo Giardina and Velia Lalli , the first woman to bring stand-up to Italian stages. The lineup also includes Angelica Massera, actress, comedian, and impersonator, and Nicola Iannarelli, winner of the 2024 New Comedians competition. This evening, the festival's historic "Golden Orange" lifetime achievement award, the original sketch of which was created by painter Mario Lupo , will go to Marco Santin , who will be a member of the judging panel.

"Forty years is a long time," said Piero Celani, president of AMAT, "but there's still room to grow beyond national borders." Celani then remembered the Solenghi Marchesini Lopez trio, to whom tomorrow evening's Golden Orange is dedicated. Eight finalists were selected by Lido degli Aranci on various stages across Italy, including Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Naples, as Rosina Bruni, secretary and spokesperson for the association, noted.

This year, the Festival will also feature segments on Rai Radio 2 , which will broadcast the contestants' performances at various times throughout the day. Renzo Sinacori, producer of the famous Loano Comedy Festival, which returned last year after many years of silence, will also be a guest and member of the jury. Mayor Alessandro Rocchi will deliver official welcome remarks. This evening at 9:30 pm, the fortieth edition will be spotlighted on Grottammare's seafront balcony.