Gelato has a long history and important cultural presence in Italy. There is even a Gelato Festival, which began in Florence in April and is currently make a tour around Italy and Europe. It is currently in Milan and will move on to England, Poland and Germany before returning to Florence once more in September for the Gelato Finals. If you are an ice-cream aficionado, be sure to find a holiday rental in Florence and make your way to the finals this September!
Italian ice-cream, or gelato, has set the standard for all types of ice-creams around the world and the Gelato Festival celebrates this culinary heritage and excellence. Launched in 2010, when its first edition was hosted in Florence, it was then held in Florence again in 2011 and 2012 due to its great popularity and success. At first, it was a very much an Italian affair, but it soon attracted the interest of international visitors, and, in 2013, it became a travelling event. Originally it went to Florence, Milan, Rome and Turin (three of Italy's "capitali del gusto") each year and, in 2014, the festival expanded even further to become an international event. Last year, it visited Florence, Parma, Rome, Naples, Turin, Milan, London, Berlin and Valencia.
The festival intends to inform about true artisanal gelato and how it's made, to reveal its history and show production techniques first hand. The aspects which are normally behind the scenes are brought forward for all to see and enjoy. There is also plenty of tasting involved as well as a variety of events, games and competitions. However, the main event is the finals! With Piazzale Michelangelo confirmed as the location, there will be a series of workshops, lessons, meetings and presentations all about the world of handmade ice-cream over the four days of the festival finale – from the 14th to the 17th of September. This is also when the technical jury and audience will select the best flavour among the ice-cream makers who participated. Tickets to the event allow you access to a series of tastings and gives you the chance to vote for your favourite flavour, with the winner being announced on the final day of the event.
If you were already thinking about spending time in Tuscany this September or if you are dedicated enough to ice-cream to plan your holiday around this spectacular event, there is no better time to be in Florence this year!
The festival intends to inform about true artisanal gelato and how it's made, to reveal its history and show production techniques first hand. The aspects which are normally behind the scenes are brought forward for all to see and enjoy. There is also plenty of tasting involved as well as a variety of events, games and competitions. However, the main event is the finals! With Piazzale Michelangelo confirmed as the location, there will be a series of workshops, lessons, meetings and presentations all about the world of handmade ice-cream over the four days of the festival finale – from the 14th to the 17th of September. This is also when the technical jury and audience will select the best flavour among the ice-cream makers who participated. Tickets to the event allow you access to a series of tastings and gives you the chance to vote for your favourite flavour, with the winner being announced on the final day of the event.
If you were already thinking about spending time in Tuscany this September or if you are dedicated enough to ice-cream to plan your holiday around this spectacular event, there is no better time to be in Florence this year!