Gelato Day Rome

A day of artisanal gelato in the heart of Rome

Gelato Day Rome is the event through which the Capital participates in the European Artisanal Gelato Day, the commemoration established by the European Parliament to promote a craft that is a cultural and gastronomic heritage of the continent. It is hosted by Criollo - Il Bistrot del Gelato, the gelateria located at Via Giuseppe Bagnera 59, in the Marconi district (Municipality XI) of the City of Rome, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region.

The initiative was born from an idea by Simona Papagno, a Roman master gelato maker and the soul of Criollo, who every year gathers Italian and foreign colleagues for a day of cooperation among professionals. It is an unusual format for a sector made of independent shops: for a few hours, the display cases host side-by-side creations from different gelaterias, often awarded by the main industry guides, and the public can taste them all at the same counter.

Flavor and solidarity

The distinctive feature of the event is its charitable nature: cones and cups are sold at a symbolic price and the entire proceeds are donated to a local association. In recent years, support has gone to projects in the Marconi district and to research and care in pediatric oncology, in collaboration with organizations working alongside the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital. In short, those who participate enjoy excellent gelato while contributing to a concrete cause.

The official flavor of the year

As in all of Europe, Rome also celebrates the official flavor chosen for the edition, which changes every year following a theme: from recipes inspired by the Jubilee to those dedicated to music and European identity. Alongside the official flavor, each master gelato maker brings their own creation, often built on local ingredients: sheep's milk ricotta, pistachio, hazelnut, citrus, single-origin chocolate, herbs, and infusions.

More than just tastings: workshops, readings, and showcooking

The program runs throughout the afternoon and is aimed at both industry professionals and families:

• Technical demos reserved for Ho.Re.Ca. professionals in the early afternoon, with demonstrations on new churning techniques and pairings;
• Creative workshops for children (quilling, gelato making) by reservation, with limited spots;
• Animated readings for the little ones, in collaboration with local libraries;
• Showcooking and cooking shows with guest gelato makers and chefs, often with a final tasting;
• Talks dedicated to mindful eating and the culture of artisanal gelato.

The Marconi district and the Roman gelato tradition

Rome has a long tradition of artisanal gelato: from the historic gelaterias in the center to the new neighborhood shops that, over the last twenty years, have brought attention back to raw materials, short supply chains, and recipes without semi-finished products. Gelato Day Rome fits right into this trend, in a residential area on the right bank of the Tiber, well-served by public transport and easily reachable for those arriving from the historic center.

For those visiting the city in spring, the event is an unusual opportunity to get off the tourist circuit and get to know the Rome of the neighborhoods, with a neighborhood festival atmosphere where gelato counters mix with children's games and meetings between professionals.

Tips for your visit

Admission is free and no ticket is required: you only pay for the gelato, at a capped price designed to encourage fundraising. Children's workshops require telephone booking, as spots are limited. During the peak afternoon hours, the queue can get long: those who want to taste multiple creations should arrive early.