Rome, March 18, 2025 – The 2025 season of artisanal gelato is officially underway, promising a year filled with taste, tradition, and generosity. Celebrations for the European Artisanal Gelato Day, held annually on March 24, will ignite a wave of initiatives throughout Italian and European cities.
Established in 2012, it is the only food-related celebration officially recognized by the European Parliament. This 13th edition carries even deeper meaning as it’s dedicated to the Jubilee Year and endorsed by the Dicastery for Evangelization and MASAF – the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests. A powerful sign of cultural and spiritual unity, this year's edition will welcome pilgrims from around the world in St. Peter’s Square.
The undisputed star? “Hallelujah”, the official Flavour of the Year: a silky gianduia base with toasted hazelnuts, enhanced by a ripple of pure chocolate – a sensory tribute to celebration.
A Flavourful Agenda Unveiled at the Italian Chamber of Deputies
The full programme of events was presented today in Rome, with speeches from Hon. Mirco Carloni; Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace; Ferdinando Buonocore, President of the Campania Gelato Makers Committee; and others representing top institutions in the sector. The event was moderated by Nicola Prudente, aka “Tinto” (RAI Radio2 and RAI1 host).
Italian Events – From North to South
Even before March 24, Italy has been buzzing with Gelato Day celebrations. The 2025 Flavour of the Year made appearances at SIGEP World 2025 in Rimini, the Museum of Dreams in Feltre, and during the “Festa delle Cape” in Lignano Sabbiadoro thanks to Confartigianato FVG gelato makers.
More upcoming highlights include:
- March 21: tasting event in Piazzetta della Funicolare, Capri, during “Linguaggi dell’anima: Ritmi di Equità”
- March 22–23: featured at “Un borgo di cioccolato” in Borgo San Dalmazzo (CN), Palazzo Bertello
- March 23: the Ivano Pocchiesa Award ceremony during Agrimont in Longarone
- March 23: Piazza Risorgimento (Rome, near St. Peter’s) will host a charity tasting of “Hallelujah,” supporting the “13 Houses in Syria” project. In partnership with the Vincentian community, the initiative will provide housing to displaced families in Syria.
March 24 – Celebrating Artisanal Gelato Across Europe
On March 24, gelaterias across Europe will offer “Hallelujah” in its official version, crafted by Vincenzo Squatrito of Gelateria Ritrovo Orchidea in Oliveri (ME), or in creative reinterpretations by local master gelato makers.
The 2025 Gelato Day is supported by prestigious partners, including:
Gambero Rosso’s Gelaterie d’Italia Guide, SIGEP World, ACOMAG, DMED – Salone della Dieta Mediterranea, Gelato Festival World Masters, and MIG – Longarone Fiere Dolomiti.
Participating organizations include:
- CNA, Confartigianato Nazionale, Federazione Italiana Gelatieri, Associazione Italiana Gelatieri
- Gelato World Cup, Gelato Veneto, I Magnifici del Gelato, Contaminazioni Stellate, and many others.
Beyond Taste: Culture, Education, and Solidarity
- March 24–26: Artisanal gelato will be featured at “Agricoltura È”, an immersive event celebrating the 68th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in Piazza della Repubblica (Rome), organized by MASAF.
- The “Duca di Buonvicino” Hotel School in Naples and the Campania Gelato Makers Committee will launch a project to prevent school dropout through hands-on gelato workshops.
- From March 25–30, Milan will host the third edition of Milano Gelato Week.
- On April 27, in Gorizia (European Capital of Culture 2025), “Hallelujah” will be officially distributed.
- Until October 31, students will attend informative courses led by expert gelato masters and food technologist Daniela Finizio.
- From May 1 to November 20, regional selections for the “Vittorio Bartyan” Contest will take place.
- From May 30 to June 1, “Hallelujah” will star in a masterclass at DMED – Salone della Dieta Mediterranea in Paestum.
European Events: From Brussels to Berlin and Beyond
- In Belgium, a press conference and tasting event organized by the Association Royale des Artisans Glaciers Francophones Belges took place today.
- In Vienna, the Italian Embassy will host a celebration in April (by A.G.I.A.).
- On June 2, at the Italian Embassy in Berlin, UNITEIS e.V. will serve “Hallelujah” during the Republic Day celebration.
- In Spain, A.N.H.C.E.A. will host press events in Alicante and Madrid, showcasing the flavour of the year.
Behind the Scenes: Discovering the Art of Gelato Making
Artglace invites European gelato artisans to participate in a new edition of the video contest dedicated to “Hallelujah.” Contestants must create a 90-second video showing the preparation of the flavour using the official recipe. Participation is free and open until October 30, 2025. Videos will be featured on the Gelato Day YouTube channel, allowing fans worldwide to explore the skill and creativity behind a perfect scoop.
Voices from the Gelato World
Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace:
“We’re thrilled to launch a new season of artisanal gelato. This year’s Gelato Day resonates deeply with the Jubilee theme – a universal message of joy and unity, much like artisanal gelato itself.”
Hon. Mirco Carloni, Agriculture Commission:
“Artisanal gelato is fast, international, and deeply rooted in the agri-food supply chain. It’s both a craft and an art – and a true ambassador of our agricultural excellence.”
Ferdinando Buonocore, Campania Gelato Makers Committee:
“The enthusiasm and unity seen today reflect the success of our efforts. We hope this exceptional edition of Gelato Day sets a new standard.”
Flavia Morelli, Group Exhibition Manager – IEG:
“As organizers of SIGEP World, we are proud to support Gelato Day and promote artisanal Italian gelato – a true icon of Made in Italy appreciated across the globe.”
For full details, visit the official website www.gelato-day.com
Follow on Facebook (@24MarzoEuropeanGelatoDay), Instagram (@Gelato_Day), and YouTube (Gelato Day channel).
All European gelato shops are invited to join by registering their events for March 24, 2025.