LONGARONE - Celebrated on March 23, 2025, the European Artisan Gelato Day was a highlight at the Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, where the event brought together a blend of tradition and modern culinary artistry. Established in 2013, this day is a special recognition by the European Parliament for artisan gelato, which is a proud symbol of Italy's rich food culture. Nestled in this picturesque Italian town, Longarone hosts the oldest exhibition in the sector, the Mostra Internazionale del Gelato Artigianale (MIG), which has been running since 1959. In a fitting tribute to this rich heritage, the event showcased the flavor of the year, named "Hallelujah," inspiring excitement among attendees.
The flavor "Hallelujah" captures the spirit of the upcoming Jubilee in 2025, featuring a luscious gianduia base, complemented by toasted hazelnuts and a variegation of pure chocolate. This flavor not only tantalizes the taste buds but elevates the gastronomic experience, attracting a line of eager patrons at the fair who were keen to sample the gelato. A staggering one thousand cups of this flavor were served free of charge, thanks to the collaboration between Venice Promex and the fair organizers, delighting visitors and ensuring the gelato's central importance was felt throughout the event.
Alongside this celebrated new flavor, attendees also had the opportunity to taste a fiordilatte made from organic mountain milk sourced from Lattebusche. This creamy delight was further enriched with "honey of rebirth," a unique honey produced through the innovative Life Vaia project initiated by Veneto Agricoltura. This project, developed in response to the devastation caused by the storm in October 2018, has not only fostered a resurgence in local beekeeping but supported the regeneration of the affected flora across the impacted regions.
The festivities also included the presentation of the prestigious Ivano Pocchiesa Award, an accolade that honors the legacy of Longarone Fiere's former press officer, who was considered a pivotal figure in artisan gelato communications. This year, the award was bestowed upon Angelo Grasso, an esteemed figure in the artisan gelato world with an impressive experience of over 40 years. Grasso’s background is steeped in gelato-making; he hails from a family that has been producing gelato for generations, and he has tirelessly championed this craft through extensive training programs—over a thousand courses conducted in Italy and internationally.
Reflecting on the honor, Grasso emphasized, "Gelato must first and foremost be made well. But it should also be promoted, narrated, and transmitted through the generations." His commitment to maintaining high standards in artisanal gelato is unwavering, despite the growing pressure from industrial producers who often compromise on quality. He passionately stated, "Artisan gelato encapsulates the excellence of its territory in every scoop," underscoring the integral relationship between quality ingredients and authentic flavor. Grasso’s insights were a testament to the continuing relevance of Artisan Gelato Day in nurturing Italy’s culinary traditions.
The event was not just about flavors and awards; it also aimed to shine a light on broader themes like the short supply chain and local production, which underpin the values of the artisan gelato community. By celebrating these principles, the event reinforced the importance of sustainability and local sourcing in the food industry. The recognition of the European Artisan Gelato Day highlights a commitment not just to delicious gelato, but to preserving the rich agricultural and culinary heritage that it represents.
Moreover, the day was infused with community spirit as families gathered to enjoy the company of local livestock, including Lora, a charming Avelignese foal, and Brunello, the baby donkey, captivating all ages. The warmth of these connections among families, artisans, and nature encapsulated the spirit of the day, making it a holistic celebration of all that artisan gelato and local culture represent. Longarone, with its picturesque backdrop and deep-rooted traditions, continues to be a vital part of this gelato story, as it cultivates passion and commitment to quality not only in gelato production but throughout the community.
In conclusion, the European Artisan Gelato Day serves as not only an acknowledgment of the rich tradition of gelato making in Italy but also as a reminder of the passion, skill, and commitment of those who craft the product. As artisans continue to innovate and uphold the values that define this exquisite dessert, events like these pledge to support and promote the continued evolution of Italian gelato artistry, ensuring the legacy lives on for generations to come.
