There are days on the calendar that go unnoticed and others that should be national holidays. March 21, International Tiramisu Day, is one of them. And this year, Barcelona isn’t just celebrating it—it aims to break blood sugar records with an initiative that seems straight out of an Italian version of Willy Wonka’s dream.
The specialty shop Demartini, which opened less than a year ago in the Born district, has decided to go all out by creating the largest tiramisu in Spain. We’re talking about a three-square-meter masterpiece of perfect balance between coffee, sponge cake, and cream that will be on display at its location at 44 Carrer dels Escuders .
The best part of the news isn’t just the size, but that next Saturday, starting at 4:00 p.m., they’ll begin handing out free servings until supplies run out—which they estimate will be about 500 portions.
An artisanal tribute to the dessert that knows no borders
What’s happening with tiramisu in Barcelona is worth studying. While a few years ago it was common to find it as the go-to dessert on any daily menu (sometimes with more cream than necessary), the city is now experiencing a craze for specialization in this Italian dessert. Demartini has joined this single-product trend that is already a hit in the Born, alongside illustrious neighbors like Jon Cake’s cheesecakes or Hofmann’s croissants, proving that if you do just one thing, but do it incredibly well, the public responds.
Although the three-meter tiramisu will be the undisputed star of the weekend, the shop’s daily success is based on a dizzying turnover: they sell over 2,000 units a week. Their approach steers clear of gimmicky creations to focus on ingredient quality: pistachios sourced directly from Sicily, Piedmont hazelnuts, and authentic Italian savoiardi soaked in coffee brewed in a traditional moka pot.
In addition to the classic version, their display cases often feature variations like salted caramel or Maresme strawberries, but always in that individual tub format designed for take-away. The idea is for tiramisu to be a democratic treat that’s easy to eat while strolling through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. Given the pace they’re setting, it’s no surprise they’ve already set their sights on opening new locations in the Eixample and the Zona Alta, cementing Barcelona’s status as one of Europe’s capitals for lovers of this dessert. If you want your slice of the record, you know the drill: Saturday is snack time in the Born.
