Iginio Massari Turns 83 and Launches Himself on a Zipline: “I Wanted to Feel Alive”
Milan, Italy – August 30, 2025 – Italy’s beloved pastry maestro, Iginio Massari, celebrated his 83rd birthday in style by taking a daring leap on a zipline, soaring through the air with the enthusiasm of a much younger adventurer. The renowned chocolatier and owner of the iconic Pasticceria Massari in Milan shared the exhilarating experience on social media, captioning a video of his flight with, “I wanted to feel alive.” The stunt, captured amid the scenic backdrop of an unspecified mountain location, has gone viral, amassing thousands of views and likes, as fans praise the nonagenarian’s zest for life and unyielding spirit.
Massari, born on August 30, 1942, in Brescello, Reggio Emilia, has long been a household name in Italian gastronomy. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of desserts,” he rose to fame through his masterful creations at his family’s historic bakery and later at his Milan shop, which has become a pilgrimage site for sweets enthusiasts. A multiple award-winner, including the title of Best Pastry Chef in the World in 2014 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Italian Cuisine, Massari’s career spans over six decades. He gained international recognition through television appearances on shows like MasterChef Italia and Bake Off Italia, where his stern yet passionate demeanor endeared him to audiences.
A Birthday Adventure Defying Age
The zipline escapade marks a bold chapter in Massari’s ongoing quest to embrace adventure in his later years. “At 83, I decided to challenge myself, to feel the adrenaline and remember that life is meant to be lived fully,” Massari told reporters in a post-jump interview. Clad in a harness and helmet, the pastry legend zipped down a 500-meter line at speeds reaching 60 km/h, emerging with a broad smile and no regrets. The video shows him gripping the line tightly, his white hair windswept, before landing gracefully and exclaiming, “Incredibile!” His family, including his son Federico who manages the Milan shop, accompanied him and captured the moment for posterity.
This isn’t Massari’s first foray into thrill-seeking. In recent years, he has shared stories of skydiving attempts (postponed due to weather) and motorcycle rides, often tying them to his philosophy of vitality. “Pastry is an art, but life is the greatest recipe—mix in some excitement to keep it fresh,” he quipped during a 2024 interview with La Repubblica. The birthday stunt aligns with his public persona as a timeless icon who defies stereotypes of aging, inspiring followers to pursue their passions regardless of age.
Legacy and Fan Reactions
Massari’s influence extends beyond the kitchen. His books, such as L’arte del dolce and Ricette segrete, have become bestsellers, while his workshops attract aspiring chefs from around the world. Despite turning 83, he remains active, experimenting with innovative flavors like matcha-infused cannoli and sustainable chocolate creations. Colleagues and celebrities flooded social media with birthday tributes, with actress Sophia Loren posting, “Buon compleanno, maestro! Your sweetness knows no bounds—may your adventures continue!” On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #Massari83 and #ZiplinePastry trended, with users sharing memes of him “gliding like a perfect soufflé.”
The event also sparked lighthearted discussions on aging gracefully in Italy, a country where Massari embodies the “dolce vita” ethos. Health experts commended his fitness, noting that regular activity like his has contributed to his longevity. As he reflected post-jump, “Age is just a number; it’s the fire inside that counts.” With plans for more travels and perhaps a new book on “adventurous baking,” Massari shows no signs of slowing down.
This birthday thrill not only celebrates a personal milestone but reinforces Massari’s role as an enduring symbol of joy, creativity, and vitality in Italian culture.
Sources: ANSA, La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, Social Media Posts