Starting next week, Hungary will offer the Vatican’s official ice cream flavor, “Hallelujah,” the designated dessert for the Jubilee Holy Year 2025, according to an announcement by the Balaton Tourism Association.
The Promenád Kávéház in Balatongyörök, located on Lake Balaton’s northern shore and winner of last year’s Ice Cream of Lake Balaton competition, is the first Hungarian establishment to join the initiative, as reported by Világgazdaság. In a charitable gesture, the second scoop from the first batch of the ice cream will be donated, with proceeds supporting the local church.
Created by Italian gelato master Vincenzo Squatrito, “Hallelujah” is a rich blend of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate, with a gianduia (hazelnut chocolate cream) base. Squatrito, along with his twin brother, has been running a family confectionery since 1994, offering 54 different flavors annually.
The dessert will make its world debut on March 23 at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. From March 24—European Artisan Gelato Day—it will become available in over 250 cities across Europe, including Vienna, London, and Milan.
Hungary is among the countries participating in the campaign, with four municipalities included on the official Vatican ice cream map. In addition to Promenád Kávéház, Florida ice cream parlor in Balatonmáriafürdő on the southern shore of Lake Balaton has joined the initiative. Tamás Fekete, president of the Balaton Tourism Association, emphasized that tourists seeking both spiritual and culinary experiences will have the opportunity to taste the Vatican’s signature dessert on both shores of Lake Balaton.
Further expanding the initiative, Damniczki confectionery in Székesfehérvár and Pataki confectionery in Érd, near Budapest, are also participating, contributing to a projected boost in business for local confectioners.
Looking ahead, the 12th annual Ice Cream of Lake Balaton competition is set to take place on May 9. Fekete noted that the event, which showcases artisan ice cream crafted from locally sourced ingredients, shares similarities with the Vatican initiative by celebrating quality and creativity in ice cream making. The competition aims to highlight local values, enhance tourism, and reward excellence in confectionery craftsmanship.
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