Ivrea’s Battle of the Oranges: Italy’s Most Unique Carnival Tradition
Carnival celebrations in Italy are often associated with elegance, masks, and historic pageantry—but in the northern town of Ivrea, Piemonte, the festivities take a dramatically different (and much messier) turn. The Battle of the Oranges is one of the most unique and exhilarating Carnival traditions in the world, transforming the streets into a full-scale battleground where history, rebellion, and citrus collide.
In 2026, the Battle of the Oranges will take place February 15–17, during the three days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Each year, thousands of participants and spectators gather to witness—and take part in—this extraordinary event that blends folklore, community pride, and pure adrenaline.
The History Behind the Battle
The origins of the Battle of the Oranges date back to the Middle Ages and are rooted in a powerful story of resistance. According to local legend, a miller’s daughter named Violetta refused the ius primae noctis demanded by a tyrannical ruler. Her act of defiance sparked a rebellion that led to the overthrow of his oppressive rule.
Today, the battle reenacts this uprising. The townspeople symbolize the revolutionaries, while the riders in carts represent the noble guards loyal to the tyrant. What began centuries ago as symbolic resistance—originally using beans—evolved into the iconic orange battle by the 19th century, when oranges became widely available and visually striking symbols of revolt.
How the Battle Works
Over the three days of Carnival, Ivrea becomes home to:
9 teams (contrade) of orange throwers
51 horse-drawn carriages
Over 9,000 aranceri (orange throwers on foot)
Several thousand tons of oranges flying through the air
🍊 The Aranceri on Foot
Representing the rebellious townspeople, they line the streets and throw oranges at the carts.
🍊 The Nobles’ Army (on carts)
Wearing helmets and historical costumes, they ride through the city attempting to defend themselves while continuing the symbolic battle.
The streets quickly become rivers of bright orange pulp, filling the air with the sharp, unmistakable scent of citrus. It looks chaotic—and it is—but the event is surprisingly well organized, with clear rules to maintain safety.
Tips for Visiting (Learned From Experience!)
If you’re planning to attend, a little preparation goes a long way:
Go on Monday if possible—it’s still lively but noticeably less crowded than Sunday
Wear rain boots, a poncho, and sunglasses (trust me)
Wear a red hat if you are a spectator and do not want to be hit
Look for protected viewing areas covered with nets—perfect for watching without risking a direct orange-to-the-face encounter
Technically, only those belonging to a contrada are allowed to actively throw oranges—but let’s just say… a few friendly tosses may happen, and yes, it’s incredibly fun.
Beyond the Oranges: More Carnival Traditions
Ivrea’s Carnival is rich in ritual and symbolism beyond the battle itself:
🎭 The Historical Parade – Medieval costumes, banners, and drums bring the legend of Violetta to life
🔥 The Burning of the Scarlo – A bonfire symbolizing purification, renewal, and the closing of the festivities
🥖 Traditional Foods – Including fagioli grassi (beans cooked with pork) and bugie, crisp Carnival pastries dusted with sugar
A Carnival Like No Other
Ivrea’s Battle of the Oranges is a living, breathing expression of history, community, and collective memory. It’s loud, physical, symbolic, and completely unforgettable.
Whether you choose to join the chaos or watch safely from behind the nets with a red hat on, this Carnival is an experience unlike any other.
🍊 Would you dare to step into the battle—or would you watch from the sidelines?