Gelato Day

On March 24th of every year, all gelato makers and dessert lovers across Europe come together to celebrate European Artisan Gelato Day, the only day the European Parliament has ever dedicated to a food: a unique opportunity to promote artisan knowledge throughout Europe, which has always been an expression of quality, authenticity, and local identity. It also serves to support the high-quality production of Italian traditional artisan gelato, one of those few products that can unite everyone, appreciated by both young and old all over the world for its genuineness and, above all, for its deliciousness.

Europe celebrates quality gelato, creativity, and the culture of taste

Gelato Day – established by the European Parliament and celebrated every 24 March – is the only official Day dedicated to a gastronomic excellence of our continent: European artisanal gelato.
It is an event that unites all EU countries through taste, culture, training, and the promotion of the artisanal gelato supply chain.

Every year a Flavour of the Year is selected as the symbol of this international celebration, offered by master gelato makers in gelato shops across Europe through cones, cups, events, and initiatives for the public.

The 2026 edition will be truly extraordinary, combining two great European passions: artisanal gelato and music.

 

The Flavour of the Year 2026 is Melody

In 2026, European Artisanal Gelato Day celebrates a special connection: the meeting between the craftsmanship of gelato makers and the communicative power of international music, on the occasion of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, taking place in Vienna from 12 to 16 May.

The theme of the 14th edition:
The Gelato that Makes Europe Sing

The star of the celebration will be Melody, the Flavour of the Year 2026:
a recipe designed as a true harmonic composition, capable of representing Europe through:

  • ingredients from different countries
  • shared values: creativity, quality, tradition
  • the joy of celebrating an inclusive and delicious European identity

On 24 March 2026, Melody will be featured in gelato shops across Europe with tastings, cultural initiatives, events, and special projects.

Vienna, Capital of Taste (and Music)

For this edition, the Austrian capital hosting Eurovision will welcome a wide programme of Gelato Day initiatives in May — bringing the celebration into the heart of the city throughout May.

 

European Contest “Melody”

How the Flavour of the Year 2026 is created

The official recipe of Melody will be selected through a special international competition dedicated to European master gelato makers.

SIGEP WORLD – The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence
16–20 January 2026 – Rimini Expo Centre, Italy

Here, the best gelato professionals from across the continent will compete by interpreting the 2026 theme and creating a flavour that:

✔ represents European identity in a harmony of tastes
✔ highlights iconic ingredients from EU countries
✔ uses raw materials easily available across Europe
✔ showcases culinary traditions and promotes cultural exchange

A qualified international jury of experts will evaluate each creation based on:

  • taste and balance
  • creativity and innovation
  • consistency with the musical theme
  • communication and replicability

The winning flavour will become Melody, officially presented in gelato shops throughout Europe on 24 March 2026.

This competition is more than a professional challenge:
it is a message of unity — a universal language that starts from a spoonful of gelato and reaches straight into people’s hearts.

Want to take part?

Download the competition rules and application form.

Link to website: https://www.gelato-day.it/concorso/ 

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Gelato Day

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