Zecchino d'Oro (Italian pronunciation: [dzekˈkiːno ˈdɔːro, ts-]; meaning "Golden Sequin") is an annual Italian competition dedicated to children's music established in 1959 by Niny Comolli.
In 1963, Mariele Ventre, a conductor and director of young performers, created the Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano Children's Choir (called Piccolo Coro "Mariele Ventre" dell'Antoniano after her death in 1995, and directed by Sabrina Simoni).
The winning song is rewarded with the Zecchino d'Oro award.
As has been regularly stated during the event, the songs are written by famous Italian musicians, not the children who sing the competing entries.
Young songwriters are Yumiko Ashikawa (芦川祐美子, 7, who also has sung her song), Miruna Codruța Oprea (13), Ioachim Octavian Petre (13), and Lara Polli (13).