Hundreds of pastry shops are welcoming families on Hungarian Ice Cream Day this year

‘<8’, or May 8 – the red-letter holiday for ice cream lovers. The Roman numeral for the fifth month, “V”, resembles an ice cream cone, and the number eight looks exactly like two scoops stacked on top of each other. It is no coincidence that this has become the official date of Hungarian Ice Cream Day – and in 2025 the event will be held again in a special format.

The initiative is expected to attract pastry shops and ice cream parlors from all over the country. Participating locations are committed to offering at least four types of ice cream at half price on May 8th – for one day, nationwide.

“This campaign is a particularly family-friendly program. It’s a great opportunity for people to go out and get ice cream, discover local pastry shops – even ones they haven’t been to before. At the same time, they support the Hungarian ice cream culture, traditions and innovation,” said Vanda Nebehaj, founder and communications manager of the Experience and Expertise Hungary Foundation.

At least 10,000 scoops of ice cream in one day

The foundation’s goal is for at least 100-200 ice cream parlors nationwide to join the initiative this year and for at least 10,000 discounted ice cream scoops to be sold on Hungarian Ice Cream Day.

The initiative’s overt goal is to build community and encourage families to explore their local ice cream parlors together. The foundation’s deeper goal, however, is to preserve Hungarian traditions and values, support confectionery innovation, and embrace and retain young Hungarian talent.

According to Vanda Nebehaj, there is immense value, commitment, and innovation in Hungarian confectionery, which is a true national treasure, and it is therefore important to preserve it and make it internationally recognized.
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