Sanremo 2024: 105-year-old voter sets tv ratings record with wwii story
Sanremo 2024: a moment for history
Gianna Pratesi, a 105-year-old Italian woman, captivated the nation during the Sanremo Music Festival, not for her musical talents, but as a symbol of the women who voted in the 1946 referendum that established the Italian Republic. Her appearance on stage during the broadcast peaked viewership at 15.3 million viewers, making it the highest ratings of the evening.
A life lived through history
Pratesi, a retired woman with a passion for piano and painting, expressed her surprise at the attention. "Finally, I did something different, life here is a bit monotonous," she shared. Her connection to the historical moment was profound, as she herself voted for the Republic on June 2, 1946. This act marked a significant shift in Italian history and a victory for women's rights.
A sports enthusiast at heart
Beyond her historical significance, Pratesi is an avid Sports fan. She regularly reads the Gazzetta dello Sport and follows tennis (particularly Jannik Sinner), skiing (cheering for Federica Brignone), and gymnastics. She also has strong opinions on Italian football, lamenting the lack of investment in Ligurian teams like Genoa and expressing frustration with Sampdoria.
Early life and sporting beginnings
Pratesi's own sporting history is equally compelling. Growing up in Chiavari, she was a rare sight – one of the only girls in the area riding a bicycle in the 1930s, cycling to Genoa. Her father was president of the local cycling club, and the family supported Bartali, a famous Italian cyclist. She also competed in swimming, achieving third place in 1938.
Life in scotland and a love for gelato
Pratesi spent a significant portion of her life working as a gelato maker in Scotland. She fondly recalls the hard work of carrying milk buckets but also the sociable nature of the community. She enjoyed badminton and dancing on Saturdays. She attributes her longevity, in part, to a daily indulgence of two gelatos.
A lesson learned: reasoning over anger
Reflecting on her 105 years, Pratesi shared her most important life lesson: "To reason, not to get angry." She also believes in the power of Sports, adding, "Yes, but also ice cream. I eat two a day!" Her story is a testament to a life well-lived, marked by historical significance, sporting passion, and a simple enjoyment of life's pleasures.
Sanremo 2026: future spectacle
The article also briefly touched upon the upcoming Sanremo 2026 festival, mentioning the cars that performers and guests will use, including Ferraris owned by artists like Achille Lauro and Alicia Keys. The author notes the colorful outfits chosen by Lauro for the festival.