Ice cream carts

80 years of magic in the sand

By Giovanni Cagnassi

These are activities that have been practicing in Jesolo for more than 80 years, with the earliest records dating as far back as the late 1930s. The ice cream carts operating on the beach have always been a landmark in the resort’s tourist offerings, providing tourists with an essential, almost indispensable service.

After all, enjoying a granita or an ice cream in costume, kissed by the sea breeze, a stone’s throw (literally speaking) from the sea, is something unique and in some ways magical, if you think of the smile that lights up on children’s faces at the sight of these cute multi-wheeled vehicles.

In some ways their passage seems almost taken for granted. Raise your hand if you have not, at least once, stopped for a drink or a tasty ice cream, waiting your turn. But if we rewind the tape, we discover that what seems trivial actually has a past to tell.

Consider that the first vintage carts sold fruit and clogs. Among the first to get a license in town was the Ghirigato family, which is an institution in Jesolo. Giampietro, known to all as “Pyter,” was among the pioneers of this trade, taking the legacy and baton from his father, who in turn had received it from his grandfather. A total of almost 80 years in the business. Not bad at all.

For the past few days the carts have been back in operation on our beach, ready for another summer of excitement, but also hard work.

In the early days, the carts were hand-drawn, followed by “bicycle” style carts, with operators pedaling from morning to night, up and down the beach. Imagine the toil, sweat and sacrifices. The flavors of ice cream could be counted on the fingers of one hand, as could the drinks available to the customer. Ice used to be bought from specialized firms. It was supplied in slabs, then smashed and taken to the beach. Several times it was up and down to replenish supplies.

Then, over the years, technology came to meet the needs of an ever-expanding industry. Vehicles with refrigerators and electric scooters arrived, more convenient and easier. The products have increased, the offerings have expanded. And so here are ice creams of the most varied flavors, for young and old, first melted and later packaged. Then cool drinks, chopped fruit and many opportunities to refresh and quench one’s thirst.

The equipment available to these establishments nowadays is increasingly modern. Some are even equipped with panels capable of attracting solar energy and allowing savings in overnight battery charging. The future is that and it is increasingly geared toward the “green” turn.