Gelato Day (Jerāto no Hi)

What Is Gelato Day?

Every August 27th is "Gelato Day" (ジェラートの日, Jerāto no Hi) in Japan. It was established by the Japan Gelato Association, which works to make Italian gelato more familiar in Japan, and is registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The date commemorates August 27, 1953, when the film "Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn, was released in the United States. The scene in which Princess Ann happily eats gelato on Rome's Spanish Steps introduced gelato to people around the world and made it a dessert that visitors to Rome longed to try.

"Roman Holiday" and Gelato

A single movie scene helped turn an Italian frozen treat into a dessert admired worldwide.

• The Spanish Steps scene: After the film's release, eating gelato on the Spanish Steps became something tourists dreamed of doing. Today, however, Rome restricts sitting, eating, and drinking on the Spanish Steps to protect the monument.
• Events on the day: Around this date, the Japan Gelato Association holds events such as social media photo contests and promotions at department stores.
• Purpose: To share the appeal of gelato and let more people enjoy its taste.

Gelato vs. Ice Cream

The main differences between gelato and ice cream lie in milk fat content and the amount of air.

• Milk fat: Under Japanese standards, only products with at least 8% milk fat can be called "ice cream." Gelato usually contains around 4–8% milk fat, so in Japan it is often classified as "ice milk" or "frozen confection," and it tastes lighter as a result.
• Air content: Gelato contains less air than typical ice cream, making it denser. This is said to give it a smooth texture and let the flavors of the ingredients come through clearly.

Fun Facts About Gelato

• The name: "Gelato" means "frozen" in Italian.
• Born in Florence: Gelato is said to have originated in Florence, Italy.
• Many ingredients: It is made by freezing a mix of fruit juice or pulp, milk, sugar, and sometimes coffee or herbs.
• Sorbet: Frozen desserts made without dairy, using fruit juice and the like, are called sorbet (sherbet).
• The Japan Gelato Association: Founded in 2006, it works to promote gelato and establish more hygienic production processes.

Ways to Enjoy Gelato Day

• Visit a gelato shop and try a flavor combination you don't usually choose.
• Watch "Roman Holiday" while enjoying some gelato.
• Choose a gelato made with seasonal fruit.
• Compare gelato and ice cream side by side to taste the difference.

A Little "Holiday" in a Cup of Gelato

August 27th is a day to enjoy a scoop of gelato wholeheartedly, just like Princess Ann in "Roman Holiday." With the summer heat still lingering, why not take a break with some cool, smooth gelato during work or on an outing?