PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Spring has sprung, and that means a favorite seasonal tradition is back: Rita's Italian Ice is offering free Italian ice to celebrate the first day of spring. On March 20, 2025, the beloved chain will be giving away complimentary six-ounce cups of their famous Italian ice at over 575 locations across the country. This year, Rita's is particularly excited to introduce a new flavor: Skittles Italian Ice, which is designed to capture the essence of a handful of the colorful, fruity candies.
Customers visiting any Rita's location on this special day will be able to choose from various flavors, including the classic options and the popular new addition. In fact, Rita’s expects to give away an impressive 1 million cups of their desirable treats. Linda Chadwick, the President & CEO of Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, shared her enthusiasm: "For over 30 years, Rita's First Day of Spring Giveaway has been more than just a tradition; it's a moment of pure joy and connection that marks the start of a new season with a refreshing cup of Rita's happiness. We're thrilled to introduce SKITTLES® to our guests, crafted in Rita's signature style, and welcome everyone to our shops on March 20 for a free cup of Ice on us."
In addition to the free Italian ice, Rita's is making the giveaway even more enticing for their app users. Customers utilizing the Rita's Ice App can enter the promo code "FDOS25" under the "offers" tab to have a chance to win free Italian ice for an entire year. This fantastic opportunity not only serves to celebrate the change of seasons but also strengthens the bond between Rita's and its loyal fans.
The celebration reflects a broader trend among businesses to offer promotions on the first day of spring. Notably, on the same day, Dairy Queen will launch its Free Cone Day, where customers can enjoy a free small vanilla cone at participating locations. This synergy of free treats is a delightful way for families to kick off the warmer months.
For customers visiting Rita's, it's not just about the free ice; it's an experience that brings communities together. Children, like ten-year-old Nathaniel Peters from a North East location, can be seen eagerly choosing their flavors, with Nathaniel opting for a gelati treat featuring the Skittles flavor fused with frozen custard and chocolate sauce. Such moments highlight the joyful atmosphere that Rita's strives to create on the first day of spring.
With a history that stretches over 25 years of celebrating this day with free Italian ice, Rita's has established itself as a beloved brand synonymous with the beginning of spring. The tradition honors not only the arrival of warmer weather but also the special connections formed within communities. According to Rita's release, the new Skittles Pop'd freeze-dried candies will also make their debut as toppings, adding another layer of fun to the frozen delights.
To mark this seasonal beginning, Rita's locations throughout the country welcome customers to indulge in their refreshing offerings. For those eager to join the celebration, it's a chance to delight in a favorite treat and enjoy what has become an annual rite. Customers can easily find their nearest Rita's location and participate in this refreshing celebration.
The first day of spring not only represents a significant astronomical event—the vernal equinox—where day and night are of approximate equal length—but it also serves as a reminder of the joys of warmer days ahead. As families plan their outings and look for seasonal activities, events like Rita's Italian Ice giveaway shine particularly bright on the horizon
As local residents gear up for the day, it's clear Rita's Italian Ice embodies a spirit of fun and community, making every first day of spring special. Join Rita’s in sharing the joy and deliciousness this March 20, and experience a beloved tradition while trying the fresh new flavor this year. Remember, whether you're a fan of classic Italian ice or excited to taste the new Skittles flavor, the first day of spring is always sweeter with a free treat from Rita's!
