From Flavor to Culture and Solidarity: A Year-Long Celebration Across Italy and Europe
Rome, March 22, 2024 – The 2024 Artisanal Gelato season officially opens with a calendar full of taste, tradition, and togetherness. Starting Sunday, March 24, the European Artisanal Gelato Day returns for its 12th edition — the only food holiday recognized by the European Parliament. The festivities and events celebrating this beloved frozen treat will take place throughout the year in Italy and across Europe.
Unveiled at the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome in the presence of Hon. Mirco Carloni, Chair of the Agriculture Committee, the event calendar highlights "Gaufre de Liège" as the 2024 Flavor of the Year, chosen by Belgium. This flavor is a delicious combination of vanilla and cinnamon gelato, swirled with salted butter and served with a traditional waffle crisp.
Artisanal Gelato Events in Italy
For the past 12 years, European Artisanal Gelato Day has celebrated quality craftsmanship and promoted one of the most iconic sectors of European gastronomy — with €10 billion in revenue and 65,000 gelato shops employing 300,000 people (2023 data).
Even before the official date, events began across Europe. After a showcase at the Berlin International Tourism Fair (March 5–7) and a preview at Valdobbiadene's historic Fiera di San Gregorio (March 10), the “Gaufre de Liège” flavor heads to the peaks on March 23 for "Gelato at High Altitude" in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Visitors can enjoy the Flavor of the Year at 2,475 meters above sea level at Capanna Ra Valles.
Also on March 23, in Udine’s old town (Via Mercato Vecchio), Confartigianato FVG will offer tastings of “Gaufre de Liège” in support of Associazione Fabiola ODV, aiding families of people with severe disabilities.
On March 24, all participating gelaterias in Italy and Europe — including those recognized in the Gambero Rosso’s 2024 Italian Gelato Guide — will feature the “Gaufre de Liège” in its original form or creative interpretations.
Partnering organizations include: Accademici del Gelato «Contaminazioni Stellate», Gelato Veneto Association, I Magnifici del Gelato, Italian Gelato Makers Association (AIG), Maestri della Gelateria Italiana, CNA, Campania Gelato Committee, Italian Federation of Gelato Makers, Carpigiani Challenge, Gelato Festival World Masters, MIG – Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, SIGEP – Italian Exhibition Group, and more.
Among the highlights:
- Longarone Fiere Dolomiti (March 24): A special tasting at Agrimont 2024.
- Naples (March 24): Educational workshops at Duca di Buonvicino Hospitality Institute to combat school dropout rates, led by the Campania Gelato Committee.
- Castellammare di Stabia until May 31: “Experiential Tourism” project exploring Neapolitan gelato traditions.
- March–October 2024: Technical training sessions for students guided by master gelato makers and food technologist Dr. Daniela Finizio.
- “Gelato in Spring” (March 20–24): Free gelato for children in participating shops across Italy.
The celebration continues:
- Milan Gelato Week (April 10–14): With the support of ConGelato.
- Capri (April 21): "Gaufre de Liège" tasting during the "Partita del Cuore" benefiting Telethon.
- Vittorio Bartyan Competition (May–November 2024): Gelato contest for culinary students across Italy.
- Paestum (October 6): “Run for Research” solidarity walk organized by the Campania Gelato Committee and Telethon.
European Celebrations
Across Europe, Artisanal Gelato Day is gaining ground:
- Spain (March): Tastings and official presentations in Alicante and Madrid by ANHCEA.
- Belgium: The Association of Francophone Belgian Gelato Makers is hosting national events.
- Austria: AGIA brings “Gaufre de Liège” to the Italian Embassy in Vienna and the Austrian Parliament.
- Germany (June 2): Celebrations at the Italian Embassy in Berlin for Republic Day, coordinated by UNITEIS and V.
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Artisanal Gelato
Artglace invites gelato artisans from across Europe to participate in the third edition of the official Video Contest. Participants must showcase the preparation of “Gaufre de Liège” in under 90 seconds using the official ingredients — creativity encouraged! Submission deadline: October 30, 2024. Videos are published on the Gelato Day YouTube channel, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry behind every scoop.
“We’re proud to launch a new year of artisanal gelato celebrations,” says Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace. “Thanks to strong support from across the industry, we’re growing both in Italy and abroad. We’re excited to share these initiatives that highlight quality, tradition, and community.”
“Bringing artisanal gelato to Parliament is a testament to its role in our national identity — from milk and fruit producers to final products that showcase Italian excellence around the world,” said Hon. Mirco Carloni.
“Italian artisanal gelato is part of our cultural heritage,” added Claudio Pica, President of Fiepet Confesercenti Rome and Lazio, and Secretary General of the Italian Gelato Makers Association. “We’re working to have it recognized by UNESCO, just like Italian cuisine.”
“Since 2013, we’ve used Gelato Day to go beyond celebration and inspire young people to learn and love this craft,” said Ferdinando Buonocore, President of the Campania Gelato Committee.
“As organizers of the world's leading gelato trade show SIGEP,” said Flavia Morelli of IEG, “we are thrilled to promote artisanal gelato and support Gelato Day as a strategic moment for the industry.”
For updates and to join the celebration, visit the official website www.gelato-day.com and follow on social media:
Facebook: @24MarzoEuropeanGelatoDay
Instagram: @Gelato_Day
YouTube: Gelato Day Channel
All gelato shops in Italy and Europe are invited to register and take part in the 2024 edition of European Artisanal Gelato Day.