June 10 — World Ice Cream Day: history, traditions, how to celebrate in 2025

Every year on June 10, Russia and many other countries celebrate World Ice Cream Day. This holiday unites lovers of cold treats all over the world. And although he has no official status, the number of his fans is growing year by year. In 2025, the celebration will fall on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about its history, traditions and what events will be held in Moscow and other cities on this day.

The history of World Ice Cream Day, celebrated on June 10th

The history of the holiday dates back to the end of the 18th century in the USA. It is believed that it was on this day in 1786 that mass sales of ice cream began in the country, and the delicacy became available to all segments of the population.

The initiators of the World Ice Cream Day were entrepreneurs Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. After completing ice cream making courses, they opened an ice cream parlor hoping to earn some extra money. However, the cafe became very popular and began to generate a good income.

In 1987, Ben&Jerry's, founded by friends, declared June 10 ice cream Day, offering treats to everyone for free. The event was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the business. Then this day spread throughout the country, and then all over the world.

In addition, National Ice Cream Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of July in the United States. And on January 24, International Popsicle Day takes place in the world — it was on this date in 1922 that American Christian Nelson, the inventor of creamy ice cream on a stick covered with chocolate glaze, received a patent for a new type of ice cream.

World Ice Cream Day — how to celebrate the events in 2025

Traditionally, ice cream festivals, tastings with prizes and sweet gifts from manufacturing companies are held on the holiday. Cafes offer discounts on different types of ice cream, and the Internet is full of recipes for treats that can be prepared at home, delighting loved ones.

Every year, events dedicated to World Ice Cream Day are held in Moscow and other Russian cities. For example, GUM organizes an Ice Cream Day every year. At the central fountain of the country's main department store, ice cream is sold by theater and film stars, famous athletes, musicians and TV presenters.

Moreover, popsicles, sundae and creme brulee have been produced according to preserved recipes since 1954, when GUM began selling ice cream for the first time. Branded ice cream has long been the hallmark of the store, and many people go there specifically for it. All proceeds from the sale are donated to charitable foundations. Celebrations are also taking place at VDNKh, Sokolniki Park and other city parks.

The annual Ice Cream Festival takes place in St. Petersburg. Within its framework, tourists and residents of the city can treat themselves to ice cream, participate in entertainment and watch a concert program. Similar events are organized in many other Russian cities.

Interesting facts about ice cream

Ice cream first appeared in China about three thousand years before our era. It was a mixture of ice, fruit and honey, which was served as dessert in the houses of the privileged classes. In the Middle Ages, ice cream became popular in Europe. His recipes were brought from China by the Italian traveler Marco Polo.

In Russia, since the 18th century, there have also been refreshing treats based on frozen milk, cottage cheese, sour cream and other ingredients that most resemble modern ice cream. However, long before that, frozen milk desserts were sold at fairs. It was cut into pieces and eaten with pancakes, porridge, or mixed with honey and jam.

For the first time, real ice cream appeared under Catherine the Great. Recipes for dessert made from cream, egg whites with chocolate or berries are published in the "Latest and Complete cookbook" dating back to 1791. Mass production of ice cream in Russia began only in the 30s of the XX century.

Today, ice cream is one of the most popular treats among Russians. According to statistics, ice cream sales increased by 34% last year. The leaders in its consumption are the Central, Volga and North-Western Federal Districts. And among the regions where this delicacy is most loved are Moscow, the Moscow Region and the Krasnodar Territory.

Earlier, Izvestia told how to choose the right ice cream.