Jesolo and the jet-set, inseparable from the 50s

By Giovanni Cagnassi

At the dawn of tourism on the Venetian coast, Jesolo already had its “influencers” ante litteram. The potential capital of the Venetian coast immediately focused on entertainment and sports personalities as testimonials for the emerging tourism. During the advent of the first nightclubs, celebrity appearances became a must in the tourist destination. Sixty years ago, at places like Muretto, Capannine, or King’s, one could catch glimpses of figures like Mina, Domenico Modugno, Celentano, and Caterina Caselli.  Fred Bongusto was already an idol of both young and mature women, with his striking virility. Director Pietro Germi chose Capannine as the setting for some scenes in the cult film “Signore e Signori,” portraying the Venetian stern and pleasure-loving atmosphere that Jesolo condensed during the summer months. The venue also became the stage for the Miss Cinema d’Europa pageant. Miss Italia nel Mondo and later Miss Italia found their home in Jesolo for a decade, and in recent times, they have brought the spotlight back to the town. Jesolo has modernly revitalized the quintessential national-popular events, emphasizing charm and beauty. Enzo and Patrizia Mirigliani did nothing but sing praises for this city before the competition imploded under the relentless pressure of the internet and social media, which revolutionized the concept of beauty and put away the yellowed photos of the first Italian beauties in bikinis. The “Lungomare delle Stelle” then sealed the city’s tribute to prominent figures in the entertainment and sports world, from Alberto Sordi to Sophia Loren, Alessandro Del Piero, and Federica Pellegrini. But we are indeed in recent times. Names like Gino Bartali had already graced the beaches of Jesolo, along with a host of famous footballers who frequented the Hotel Stej for heliotherapy and thermal treatments. In the mid-1950s, the Giro d’Italia arrived with the pink jersey champions, while the Pista Azzurra go-kart became the cradle of many future champions, including Schumacher, who began pressing the accelerator on the lido. Events like the Festa della Frutta (now Festa dell’Uva), sandcastle building competitions, a precursor to the International Sand Sculpture Festival, the national Topolino competition, and the Jesolo Literary Festival followed suit. The list could go on with the International Equestrian Competition, parachute displays, and the aerial show that enchanted the city’s skies in the 1970s, now known as Jesolo Air Show.