The Eurovision Song Contest was initially inspired by the Italian Sanremo Music Festival , held annually since 1951 in the city of Sanremo .
Italy was one of the seven participating countries to take part in the first contest in 1956 .
The Eurovision Song Contest was initially inspired by the Italy Sanremo Music Festival , held annually since 1951 in the city of Sanremo .
Italy was one of the seven participating countries to take part in the first contest in 1956 .