Little Ana Estela, 9 years old, was selected from over 3 children to participate in the 68th edition of... Zecchino d'Oro, the most famous children's talent show in Italy. The festival will be broadcast between November 28 and 30 on the state broadcaster Rai 1.
Originally from Brazil and living in Italy for three years with her parents, Ana Estela will be part of the group of young singers who will perform on stage in Bologna, home of Antoniano, the institution organizing the event.
According to the girl's father, Marcelo Marconato"There were over 3.000 children registered from all over the country, and she is among the few chosen to go on stage and represent, in a way, a little piece of Brazil as well."
The family, who hold Italian citizenship, reports experiencing a "moment of pride and cultural unity," with their daughter's presence on one of the largest children's stages in Europe.
Tradition and solidarity at the heart of Zecchino d'Oro.
Created in 1959 and broadcast by Rai Since then, the Zecchino d'Oro has united music and solidarity. The competition is promoted by the Antoniano di Bologna, founded in 1954 with the aim of using art as a tool for social inclusion.
Antoniano also maintains the “Operazione Pane” campaign, which supports 25 soup kitchens — 20 in Italy, in addition to units in Syria, Ukraine and Romania — and offers therapeutic support to children with physical and cognitive disabilities.
For the current director, Friar Giampaolo Cavalli, the objective is clear: "Beyond bread for the hungry, we want to offer culture and beauty as instruments of healing and collective well-being."
Live performances and national broadcast
The Zecchino d'Oro program will be broadcast live on November 28, 29 and 30 on Rai 1. The program will feature the participation of the traditional Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano, founded in 1963 and composed of children from various regions of Italy.
Ana Estela will participate in the musical performances and rehearsals in Bologna, where episodes of the 68th edition of the festival will be recorded.
The family shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of the experience through Instagram. @miapiccola.estela, managed by the parents, with photos and videos of the rehearsals and moments experienced by the girl.
