Ivrea is famed for food-fighting carnival fun.
One of Italy’s most bizarre Carnevale traditions takes place in Ivrea, a town near Turin famed for its carnival celebrations, particularly the Battle of the Oranges.
Staged during the final days of Carnevale, the spectacle evokes the historic defiance of the town’s inhabitants who rose up against their tyrannical overlord in the Middle Ages after he attempted to rape the daughter of a miller, or “mugnaia“, on her wedding night.
Battaglia delle Arance in Ivrea. Photo: RnDmS / Shutterstock.com.
According to legend the fearless bride reacted by beheading him, sparking a popular revolt.
This struggle for freedom is commemorated in the annual Carnevale battle that pits nine teams of aranceri orange handlers on foot – representing the people – against armoured aranceri in horse-drawn carriages – representing the tyrant.
One of Italy’s most bizarre Carnevale traditions is the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea.pic.twitter.com/kHSf2wvEIf— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) February 19, 2023
The Battaglia delle Arance unfolds over three days leading up to Shrove Tuesday: the 2026 dates are Sunday 15, Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February.
The action takes place in the town’s historic centre, with various areas assigned to the participating teams, recognised by their distinctive colours.
Organisers say that the thousands of oranges used in the battle are not suitable for commercial purposes and that afterwards the remains are collected and used to produce a high-quality compost for agricultural use.
Rules for visitors
If you plan to attend, there is one essential rule to avoid becoming a target:
Wear the red hat: You must wear a Berretto Frigio (a red, sock-like hat). This marks you as a “revolutionary” and signals to the throwers that you are a spectator and should not be hit.
Netting: Many of the main squares have large safety nets you can stand behind if you want to watch without getting sticky.
No throwing back: Spectators are generally not supposed to throw oranges unless they are registered members of a team wearing the official uniform.
For details about the 2026 carnival, including the Battle of the Oranges, see the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea website.
Cover photo credit: RnDmS / Shutterstock.com.
