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PhrasesAt a Local FestivalCosa c'è in programma stasera?
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Cosa c'è in programma stasera?

What is on the programme this evening?

Pronunciation

Programma: pro-GRAM-mah. Double m — stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

Ask at the festival information desk or any local. Italian festivals have packed evening programmes — music, dancing, competitions, and fireworks often all in one night.

What it means

Cosa c'è means 'what is there'. In programma means 'on the programme/schedule'. Stasera is 'this evening'. A versatile question for any event.

Variations

C'è uno spettacolo principale stasera?

Is there a main show this evening?

Spettacolo — show/spectacle. The headline event.

A che ora finisce la festa?

What time does the festival end?

Important for transportation planning.

C'è qualcosa di speciale domani?

Is there something special tomorrow?

Multi-day festivals often have a grand finale.

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa c'è in programma stasera? — Alle nove il concerto della banda, alle undici la lotteria di beneficenza, e a mezzanotte i fuochi. — Che serata intensa! — Ogni anno cerchiamo di fare meglio dell'anno prima.

— What is on the programme this evening? — At nine the band concert, at eleven the charity lottery, and at midnight the fireworks. — What an intense evening! — Every year we try to do better than the year before.

Cultural Note

Italian village festivals typically end very late by northern European standards — midnight or later is normal even in small villages. Children stay up for the entire evening. The later the festival runs, the more successful it's considered — going home early is not in the spirit of an Italian festa.