Carnival of Ivrea – The Battle of Oranges

The Carnival of Ivrea is a centuries-old carnival that reenacts a furious medieval rebellion against a tyrant.
The story goes back to the 12th century, when a local lord used to claim the right to spend the first night with every new bride in town. All went well until the miller's daughter, the woman now remembered as the Vezzosa Mugnaia, refused him and cut off his head. Her courage triggered an uprising that drove the tyrant's forces out, and the town has celebrated its freedom ever since.

The entire event revolves around the famous Battle of the Oranges, a three-day fight in which thousands of foot fighters (the rebels) throw tons of fruit at defenders riding in horse-drawn carts (the tyrant's army).

The event also includes parades with traditional costumes, free community meals, and bonfires of tall wooden poles symbolizing the tyrant's power.

Google Maps location of the main event activities can be found here.

Organizing this event? Found an error or something outdated? Tell us here.