Gelato Day 2026: European Artisan Gelato Day Returns on March 24

On March 24, European Artisan Gelato Day is celebrated across Europe, the only day dedicated to a food by the European Parliament. Now in its fourteenth edition, it involves thousands of gelaterias and industry professionals each year with the aim of promoting artisan gelato culture and the value of craftsmanship.

The 2026 edition is also part of the promotion of Italian cuisine and its food traditions, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

The theme chosen for 2026 is “Gelato that Makes Europe Sing.” A concept that creates a connection between gastronomy and music in tribute to Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled in Vienna from May 12 to 16. The goal is to tell the European identity through two universal languages: taste and music. This creates a collective narrative that unites traditions and creativity from different countries.

The star of the day will be the 2026 Flavor of the Year, “Melody.” It’s a composition that recalls a musical score: creamy base, pistachio variegation and crumble, with an orange sauce completing the aromatic profile.

The official recipe is created by master gelato maker Juanma Guerrero from Sicilia Gelati gelateria in Torre del Mar (Malaga). The flavor won the competition promoted by Artglace during SIGEP World. “Melody” will be offered in participating gelaterias both in the original version and in reinterpretations tied to local territories.

The calendar kicks off on March 21 and 22 with artisan gelato featured at Agrimont 2026 in Longarone. Tastings and public events are scheduled.

On March 23 in Rome, “Together for Gelato” will be held at Criollo – Il Bistrot del Gelato. The event will bring together twenty master gelato makers for tastings, showcooking, and charitable activities supporting the ODV “Il Cuore Grande di Flavio.”

On March 24, the official day, European gelaterias will offer tastings and widespread initiatives. Among the events are celebrations at MASAF – Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, and activities in Vienna, where Gelateria Ponto will host a pop-up museum dedicated to the history of gelato in Austria.

Activities will continue after March 24. Gelato Day will be supported during Milano Gelato Week (April 14-19, 2026) and in Vienna from May 14 to 25 during Stefflkirtag, an event linked to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

“With the 2026 edition, inspired by Eurovision, we want to tell the story of a Europe that recognizes itself in the values of sharing, diversity, and dialogue. The countdown to Gelato Day 2026 has officially begun! – comments Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace. – European Artisan Gelato Day, the only day dedicated by the European Parliament to a food, represents today an extraordinary symbol of artisan tradition, quality raw materials, and gastronomic culture shared among European peoples.”

“It’s an opportunity – continues Belmonte – to celebrate the work of artisan gelato makers and promote a product that unites history, innovation, and territorial identity. We are particularly pleased to announce that Hungary has recently joined our Confederation, further strengthening Artglace’s European project. The artisan gelato family continues to grow, enthusiastically carrying forward activities of promotion, collaboration, and cultural exchange among countries. We therefore invite other countries to join us in celebrating together the art of artisan gelato, a symbol of quality, creativity, and friendship among peoples.”

European Artisan Gelato Day remains the only day dedicated to a food by the European Parliament. It is celebrated every year with events and initiatives designed to spread gelato culture and support the artisan sector.

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