The undisputed star of Gelato Day 2026 will be “Melody,” the Flavor of the Year selected at the conclusion of the European competition promoted by Artglace and hosted at SIGEP World, which brought together master gelato makers from across Europe.
The winning recipe, created by Juanme Guerrero, is a harmonious composition of flavors inspired by the idea of a musical score: a creamy and enveloping base, complemented by a pistachio variegate, pistachio crunch, and a delicate orange sauce that adds a bright, citrus note to the overall taste.
“Melody” will take center stage in all gelato shops participating in Gelato Day, both in its original version following the official recipe and in reinterpretations by master gelato makers using local ingredients and regional inspirations.
“The Flavor of the Year competition represents one of the highest moments of creative exchange among European gelato makers each year,” comments Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace. “With the 2026 edition, inspired by Eurovision, we wanted to reinforce the message of a Europe that recognizes itself in the values of sharing, diversity, and dialogue. ‘Melody’ perfectly embodies this vision: a flavor that brings people together, just like music.”
The countdown to Gelato Day 2026 has officially begun: on March 24, thousands of gelato shops across Europe will celebrate artisanal gelato with events, tastings, and dedicated initiatives, while the connection with Eurovision will continue into May with special events in Vienna, Europe’s music capital for 2026.
Let's celebrate the European Day of Artisanal Gelato together!
We are excited to invite you to an extraordinary event dedicated to ice cream and solidarity:
Where: Piazza Pio XII, Rome
When: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time: From 09:00 To 19:00
This year, on the occasion of the Jubilee, we invite you to serve the official flavor of the day: Hallelujah, an explosion of flavors that celebrates the art and passion of artisanal ice cream.
An event dedicated to charity: the proceeds of the day will be donated to support important solidarity initiatives.
Join us in promoting the values of sharing, excellence and solidarity that make our work unique
The European Artisanal Gelato Day is the only day that the European Parliament has dedicated to a food item so far. Celebrated on March 24th every year in all European countries, with events, meetings, and initiatives aimed at spreading the culture of artisanal gelato, the "Gelato Day" is a unique opportunity to contribute to the valorization of this product, the promotion of artisanal knowledge, and the development of the gastronomic tradition in the sector.