Starting next week, Hungary will be among the countries offering the Vatican’s official ice cream flavor, “Hallelujah,” the designated dessert of the Jubilee Holy Year 2025. The Balaton Tourism Association has announced that the flavor will be available at select locations in Hungary, including Lake Balaton.
The Promenád Kávéház in Balatongyörök, which won last year’s Ice Cream of Lake Balaton competition, is the first Hungarian confectionery to join the initiative, according to Világgazdaság. As part of the campaign, proceeds from the second scoop of the first container sold will be donated to charity, benefiting the local church.
The “Hallelujah” ice cream was crafted by renowned Italian gelato artisan Vincenzo Squatrito, who has been operating a family-run confectionery with his twin brother since 1994. The dessert features a rich blend of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate, with a gianduia base—a traditional Italian chocolate and hazelnut cream.
The ice cream will make its global debut at the Vatican, becoming available at St. Peter’s Square on March 23. From March 24, coinciding with European Artisan Gelato Day, the dessert will be introduced in over 250 cities across Europe, including Vienna, London, and Milan.
Hungary is among the nations participating in the campaign, with four local municipalities featuring on the Vatican’s official distribution map. In addition to the Promenád Kávéház, the Florida ice cream parlor in Balatonmáriafürdő has also joined the initiative, ensuring that visitors to both the northern and southern shores of Lake Balaton can indulge in the specialty treat. Tamás Fekete, president of the Balaton Tourism Association, highlighted that the ice cream offers both a spiritual and culinary experience for tourists.
Beyond the Balaton region, the Damniczki confectionery in Székesfehérvár and the Pataki confectionery in Érd, near Budapest, are also participating. The initiative is expected to boost business for the participating establishments.
Meanwhile, the 12th edition of the Ice Cream of Lake Balaton competition is set to take place on May 9. The event, which features confectioners from the Lake Balaton region, aims to showcase locally sourced ingredients and celebrate artisanal ice cream making. Fekete noted that the competition shares similarities with the Vatican’s initiative, as both seek to uphold quality, creativity, and tourism promotion through exceptional frozen desserts.
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