Carnival of Ivrea

Ivrea is a beautiful town located in the northwestern part of Italy, close to the border with France. It is known for its historic charm, as well as its location at the foot of the Alps

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Carnival of Ivrea, a lively and colourful festival held annually in the town of Ivrea in the Piedmont region of Italy. This event is unlike any other, with its unique customs and traditions, especially the infamous “orange fight” that takes place during the festivities.

Ivrea is a beautiful town located in the northwestern part of Italy, close to the border with France. It is known for its historic charm, as well as its location at the foot of the Alps. It is also known for its production of quality wines, particularly the Nebbiolo grape, which is used to make the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

The Carnival of Ivrea has a long and fascinating history. The origins of the festival date back to the Middle Ages, when the town was ruled by a tyrant named Ranieri di Biandrate. According to legend, a young miller’s daughter named Violetta refused to submit to the tyrant’s advances and killed him with a dagger. Her act of bravery is commemorated each year during the carnival.

The carnival itself is a three-day event that includes a parade, musical performances, and various other forms of entertainment. However, the most famous and unique aspect of the festival is the orange fight, which takes place on the Monday and Tuesday of the carnival.

The orange fight involves two groups of people who throw oranges at each other in a mock battle. The origins of this tradition are not entirely clear, but some historians believe it dates back to the 12th century, when the town was under siege and the residents used oranges as weapons to fend off their attackers.

There are certain rules that must be followed during the orange fight. If you only a visitor of Carnival of Ivrea you must wear a red hat for safety reasons, and you are not allowed to throw oranges at people who are not wearing a hat. They are also not allowed to throw oranges after a signal is given to stop the battle.

The exact number of oranges used during the orange fight at the Carnival of Ivrea varies from year to year, but it is estimated that tens of thousands of oranges are thrown during the battle

The exact number of oranges used during the orange fight at the Carnival of Ivrea varies from year to year, but it is estimated that tens of thousands of oranges are thrown during the battle. The oranges used are typically not fit for consumption and are often collected from local farmers who are happy to donate them for the festival. In recent years, the organizers of the carnival have made efforts to ensure that the oranges used are not wasted and are collected and used for composting or for making marmalade. Despite the large quantity of oranges used, the tradition continues to be popular with locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the unique and exhilarating experience of taking part in the orange fight.

The orange fight has become a symbol of the Carnival of Ivrea, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to witness this unique spectacle. It is a way for the people of Ivrea to celebrate their history and their resistance against oppression.

the Carnival of Ivrea is a wonderful event that showcases the rich culture and history of this beautiful town in northern Italy. The orange fight, with its ancient origins and unique customs, is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Ivrea. If you ever get the chance to visit this charming town during the carnival, I highly recommend that you do so. if you still looking for other places you can always visit my other posts. at the end you can view more photos of this carnival.