Presentation of the "Vezzosa Mugnaia"
Arrive early to get a viewing spot by the balcony. Festive and emotional moment as confetti or petals are thrown. Afterwards, enjoy the evening street celebrations.
~18:00
Historic Carnival of Ivrea (Battle of the Oranges)
Storico Carnevale di Ivrea
Ivrea, Italy
Feb 6 - 9, 2027Expected
Each year before Lent, the Piedmont town of Ivrea erupts into the Battle of the Oranges, the largest food fight in Italy. Teams on foot pelt costumed fighters riding in carts with tons of oranges, staining the squares red, in a wild three-day spectacle that draws crowds from all over.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 6
Day 2 · Feb 7
Orange Battle (Day 1)
Secure a position behind protective barriers by sunrise. Wear goggles and prepare to get wet/soiled by flying oranges. Can be intense; plan breaks at Villaggio Arancio food stalls.
~10:00 - 17:00
Day 3 · Feb 8
Orange Battle (Day 2)
Another day of high energy throw- fest. Continue safety precautions. It's slightly less crowded than Sunday, but still very active.
~10:00 - 17:00
Where it happens
Piazza Ottinetti
Ivrea, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Visitors may observe ceremonies (with respect for priests), but do not participate in the s...
Dress for the setting
Spectators should be respectful: wear protective goggles, follow safety rules (stay behind...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Extremely crowded in the center during battle days, with limited personal space; public squares become densely packed
Weather
Cold winter weather; rain unlikely but jackets recommended
Transport
Regional train (Trenitalia) from Turin, local GTT bus lines within Ivrea
Tickets
Ticket required: €0 - €15
Safety & access
Event is well-policed, but the Orange Battles are physically aggressive (safety gear recommended); carry minimal valuables due to pickpocket risk
Reviewed mediaMAJOR HISTORY & CIVIC HERITAGE
Historic Carnival of Ivrea (Battle of the Oranges)
Storico Carnevale di Ivrea
Ivrea, Italy
Each year before Lent, the Piedmont town of Ivrea erupts into the Battle of the Oranges, the largest food fight in Italy. Teams on foot pelt costumed fighters riding in carts with tons of oranges, staining the squares red, in a wild three-day spectacle that draws crowds from all over.
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AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 6 - 9, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
The festival reenacts Ivrea’s medieval revolt. The legend of Violetta the miller’s daughter (Vezzosa Mugnaia), who killed her lord to end tyrannical rule, inspires the carnival. From the Middle Ages, locals threw beans and later oranges to lament oppression. Today the symbolic carnivalesque battle recalls the townspeople’s historic liberation and civic identity, vividly expressed through communal rituals (wearing a red Phrygi...
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 6~18:00Expected
Presentation of the "Vezzosa Mugnaia"
Arrive early to get a viewing spot by the balcony. Festive and emotional moment as confetti or petals are thrown. Afterwards, enjoy the evening street celebrations.
Day 2Feb 7~10:00 - 17:00Expected
Orange Battle (Day 1)
Secure a position behind protective barriers by sunrise. Wear goggles and prepare to get wet/soiled by flying oranges. Can be intense; plan breaks at Villaggio Arancio food stalls.
Day 3Feb 8~10:00 - 17:00Expected
Orange Battle (Day 2)
Another day of high energy throw- fest. Continue safety precautions. It's slightly less crowded than Sunday, but still very active.
Day 4Feb 9~10:00 - 22:00Expected
Final Day Orange Battle & "Burning of the Scarli"
Stand near the City Square by nightfall for fireworks. After the last oranges, gather with crowds for the Scarli burning ceremony around 22:00. A spectacular and poignant finale - arrive early for best view.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Visitors may observe ceremonies (with respect for priests), but do not participate in the sacred rites
Dress for the setting
Spectators should be respectful: wear protective goggles, follow safety rules (stay behind barriers during batt...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 6 - 9, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Ivrea
Ivrea (Piedmont)
Access
Turin-Caselle (TRN) · 73 km from festival
Cost
€0 - €15
Book ahead if required
Atmosphere
Very high-energy and loud – crowds and participants get increasingl...
Extremely crowded in the center during battle days, with...
Good for
Couples, culture enthusiasts
Moderate visitor welcome
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