Battle of the Oranges (Ivrea) – Italy 2026

Background & History

The Battle of the Oranges, the centerpiece of the Historic Carnival of Ivrea, is a vibrant reenactment of a medieval rebellion against tyranny, rooted in local legend. Dating back to the 12th century, the story centers on Violetta, the Miller’s Daughter (Mugnaia), who beheaded a tyrannical baron—often identified as Ranieri di Biandrate or the Marquis of Montferrato—for enforcing the oppressive jus primae noctis (the right to sleep with newlywed brides). Her act sparked a popular uprising, liberating Ivrea and symbolizing the community’s defiance and self-determination. The carnival, formalized in 1808 under Napoleonic rule to unify local festivities, evolved into its modern form post-World War II, with the first official orange-throwing teams formed in 1947. Initially, beans and lupins were thrown from balconies as a playful mockery of feudal alms, but by the 19th century, oranges—exotic imports from Sicily or Nice—replaced them, symbolizing the blood spilled in the revolt.

Recognized as a candidate for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the carnival attracts over 100,000 visitors annually to Ivrea, a UNESCO World Heritage industrial city in Piedmont’s Canavese region. Managed by the Fondazione dello Storico Carnevale di Ivrea, the event spans six days, culminating in three days of intense orange battles (February 15–17, 2026). Nine-foot teams, representing Ivrea’s neighborhoods (e.g., Asso di Picche, Pantera Nera), face off against nine cart teams symbolizing the baron’s army. The festival blends medieval pageantry, Napoleonic-era costumes, and modern eco-conscious practices, making it a unique celebration of history, culture, and community pride. Its global appeal lies in its chaotic yet organized spectacle, drawing parallels to Spain’s La Tomatina but with deeper historical roots.

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

The Battle of the Oranges 2026, held February 15–17, transforms Ivrea’s historic squares into vibrant battlegrounds. Key events include:

• Orange Battles: Three days of battles (2:00 PM–5:00 PM, 8:00 PM–10:00 PM) in Piazza di Città, Piazza Ottinetti, Piazza Freguglia, Piazza Rondolino (split into zones for Panthers, Devils, Mercenaries), and Ponte Borghetto. Nine-foot teams (e.g., Aranceri della Morte, Tuchini, Scacchi) hurl 600 tons of oranges at nine cart teams (two- or four-horse wagons), who wear protective masks. Rules prohibit hitting horses or drivers, with judges awarding prizes for fair play and team spirit.
• Mugnaia’s Proclamation: On February 14 (8:00 PM, Town Hall), the Miller’s Daughter is revealed, parading on a golden chariot, tossing confetti and mimosas.
• General’s Parade: The General, in Napoleonic uniform, leads his Staff (Officers, Vivandiere) through Ivrea (Feb 14, 3:00 PM), ensuring order.
• Grand Charivari: Free opening event with pipes, drums, and street dance (Feb 11, 4:00 PM, Carnival House).
• La Carnavalina: Family-friendly street performances with Abbà (child priors) carrying orange-tipped swords (Feb 14, 1:00 PM, Piazza di Città).
• Veglione’s Ball: Gala with music, dance, and costumes (Feb 13, 7:00 PM, Teatro Giacosa, Ivrea’s equivalent to Opéra de Nice).
• Fagiolate Rionali: Neighborhood bean feasts (Feb 15, 9:00 AM, various squares), serving fagioli grassi (beans with pork).
• Closing Ceremony: Burning of the Scarlo effigy (Feb 17, 8:00 PM, Piazza di Città), followed by a funeral march symbolizing renewal.

The festival village at Piazza di Città offers crafts, food stalls, and workshops, with international troupes (e.g., Brazilian samba, Italian flag-throwers) adding global flair. Over 9,000 participants and 52 themed floats create a chaotic, colorful spectacle.

Special Traditions or Features

The carnival’s traditions are steeped in Ivrea’s history:

• Mugnaia and General: The Mugnaia, elected annually, symbolizes rebellion, while the General (e.g., Ulisse Falchieri in 2025) oversees order in Napoleonic attire.
• Phrygian Cap: Wearing a red cap (Berretto Frigio) marks spectators as non-combatants, protecting them from orange throws.
• Bean Feasts: Fagioli grassi distributions honor medieval alms traditions.
• Abbà: Ten children from Ivrea’s five parishes parade as priors, carrying orange-tipped swords symbolizing the tyrant’s severed head.
• Sustainability: The 2026 event uses biodegradable oranges (leftovers from southern Italy) and features a carbon footprint calculator on storicocarnevaleivrea.it. Recycling stations and eco-friendly floats reduce waste.
• Orange Battle Game: A virtual arcade game by C3Studio (orangebattle.it) lets players join teams like Asso di Picche across 52 levels, contributing to team scores.

Costume contests and free pedestrian zone access for fully costumed attendees encourage participation. The event’s intensity, with oranges thrown at high speed, requires protective gear for cart teams and optional padding for foot teams.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

Ivrea’s medieval charm, with cobblestone streets and Roman origins (100 BC), enhances the carnival experience. Key attractions include:

• Historic Squares: Piazza di Città and Ponte Borghetto offer dramatic battle settings, with nets for safe spectating.
• Parades: Floats, flag-throwers, and musicians (e.g., pipes and drums) create a festive atmosphere.
• Cultural Sites: Visit Ivrea Cathedral, Ivrea Castle, or the Olivetti Museum (UNESCO site) for industrial heritage.
• Festival Village: Piazza di Città hosts stalls with crafts, costumes, and local wines, plus workshops on orange-throwing techniques.
• Day Trips: Turin (40 km) offers the Mole Antonelliana and Egyptian Museum; Aosta Valley (60 km) provides Alpine views.

The carnival’s February weather (avg. 8–12°C/46–54°F) and orange-scented streets create a unique sensory experience. The Orange Battle video game extends engagement year-round.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Thursday, February 12 – Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (main events); battles February 15–17.
• Future Dates: February 11–16, 2027 (estimated, pending lunar calendar for Lent).

Duration

• 6 days of festivities, with orange battles spanning 3 days (6–8 hours daily). Pre-carnival events (e.g., General’s appointment) start January 6, 2026.

Opening Hours

• Battles: 2:00 PM–5:00 PM (day), 8:00 PM–10:00 PM (night), Feb 15–17.
• Festival Village: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM daily (Piazza di Città, Piazza Ottinetti).
• Ticket Offices: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (Piazza di Città, Piazza Ottinetti).
• Info Desks/Call Center: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM; call center opens December 2025 (+39 379 2187809, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM).

Venue / Location

Primary Venues

The carnival transforms Ivrea’s historic center into a battlefield:

• Piazza di Città: Main square for Asso di Picche and Aranceri della Morte battles.
• Piazza Ottinetti: Hosts Scacchi and Scorpioni d’Arduino teams.
• Piazza Freguglia: Base for Tuchini del Borghetto.
• Piazza Rondolino: Split into zones for Pantera Nera, Diavoli, and Mercenari.
• Ponte Borghetto: Scenic bridge for parades and Tuchini battles.
• Teatro Giacosa: Venue for Veglione’s Ball and ceremonial events (Via Monte di Pietà, 10015 Ivrea).
• Carnival House: Info hub and free event space (near Piazza di Città, exact TBD).
• Festival Village: Piazza di Città and Piazza Ottinetti host stalls, workshops, and performances.

Venues feature safety nets, medical stations (Red Cross on-site), and PRM areas with ramps. Horses, central to cart teams, are cared for per animal welfare standards.

Main Location Addresses

• Main Office: Antico Palazzo della Credenza, Via Torino, 219, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Piazza di Città: Piazza di Città, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Piazza Ottinetti: Piazza Ottinetti, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Piazza Freguglia: Piazza Freguglia, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Piazza Rondolino: Piazza Rondolino, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Ponte Borghetto: Ponte Borghetto, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps
• Teatro Giacosa: Via Monte di Pietà, 10015 Ivrea, Italy – Google Maps

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

Tickets are sold via storicocarnevaleivrea.it (from December 2025) or on-site at Piazza di Città and Piazza Ottinetti (10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Feb 12–17). Digital tickets via the carnival’s app (TBD for 2026) use QR codes. On-site booths accept card payments only. Team participation requires registration (~$120 USD, negotiable) via fondazione@storicocarnevaleivrea.it.

Ticket Exchange

Non-transferable; refunds for cancellations within 30 days (contact fondazione@storicocarnevaleivrea.it). Lost tickets reissued with proof of purchase. Name changes cost ~$5.50 USD (€5).

Admission Type

• Grandstands: Paid, reserved seating in battle squares.
• Pedestrian Zones: Free for fully costumed attendees (Phrygian cap recommended).
• Team Participation: Paid (~$120 USD for 3 days, includes team uniform). Open to foreigners; contact teams directly.
• General Access: Open to all ages; under-16s need adult supervision. Service dogs permitted with ID.

Pricing Range

Based on 2025 rates (~1.09 USD/€):

• Minimum: Single battle ticket ~$11 USD (€10); free for costumed in pedestrian zones.
• Maximum: Grandstand package ~$44 USD (€40); Veglione’s Ball ~$55–$110 USD (€50–€100).
• Breakdown:
  • Battle (pedestrian, costumed): Free
  • Battle (grandstand, Zone A/B): ~$11–$33 USD (€10–€30)
  • Veglione’s Ball: ~$55–$110 USD (€50–€100)
  • La Carnavalina/Fagiolate: Free or ~$5–$11 USD (€5–€10)
  • Team Participation: ~$120 USD (€110, 3 days)
  • Concessions: 50% off for under-18s, seniors, disabled; free for under-5s.
  • Booking Fees: ~$1.10–$3.30 USD (€1–€3).
• VIP Options: Premium packages (~$66–$165 USD) include grandstand seats, team meet-and-greets, and ball access.

Payment Methods

Online: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal. On-site: Card payments only. Digital tickets via app.

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel: +39 379 2187809 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; extended during carnival)
• Email: fondazione@storicocarnevaleivrea.it
• Website: https://www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it (English, Italian)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @storicocarnevaleivrea
  • Facebook: @CarnevaleIvrea
  • X/Twitter: @IvreaCarnival
  • Hashtag: #BattleOfTheOranges2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at storicocarnevaleivrea.it (email, terms acceptance required).
• Game Contact: info@orangebattle.com, +39 0125 239137 (for Orange Battle game inquiries).

Key Staff

• Event Organizer: Fondazione dello Storico Carnevale di Ivrea (C.F. 93037710014, P.I. 10210500012)
• General (2025): Ulisse Falchieri
• Press/Sponsorship: fondazione.carnevale.ivrea@legalmail.it

Organization

• Legal Entity: Fondazione dello Storico Carnevale di Ivrea, Antico Palazzo della Credenza, 10015 Ivrea, Italy.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; multilingual support (Italian, English, French). Volunteer inquiries via email.

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

The carnival blends medieval and Napoleonic aesthetics with modern festivity. Floats, adorned with thousands of flowers, depict revolutionary themes, accompanied by samba, brass bands, and Italian commedia dell’arte. The nine foot teams (e.g., Scorpioni d’Arduino, Credendari) wear colorful tunics, while cart teams don protective masks resembling ancient armor. The Mugnaia’s golden chariot and the Abbà’s orange-tipped swords add theatrical flair. The Orange Battle game, designed by C3Studio, extends the experience virtually, with 52 levels across Ivrea’s squares.

Community Engagement

Ivrea’s 23,000 residents embrace the carnival as a cultural cornerstone, with locals joining teams or volunteering (apply via storicocarnevaleivrea.it, January 2026). Costume contests and free events like La Carnavalina foster inclusivity. Spectators wearing Phrygian caps join the “rebellion,” while team rivalries end in handshakes, reflecting solidarity. Social media campaigns (#BattleOfTheOranges2026) amplify engagement, with live streams on the carnival’s app.

Culinary and Local Traditions

The festival celebrates Piedmontese cuisine:

• Fagiolate: Fagioli grassi (beans with pork, bacon, sausages, ~$8–$12 USD) served in cauldrons.
• Polenta and Cod: Distributed on Ash Wednesday (Feb 18, Borghetto quarter).
• Other Dishes: Agnolotti, risotto, vegan polenta (~$8–$14 USD).
• Desserts: Panna cotta, torta 900 (local sponge cake, ~$3–$7 USD).
• Drinks: Barolo/Barbera wines, vin brulé (mulled wine, ~$4–$8 USD); non-alcoholic citrus spritz (~$3–$5 USD). Eco-friendly practices include compostable plates and recycling. Non-metallic 0.5L bottles allowed.

Local Exploration

Ivrea’s Roman and medieval heritage includes:

• Ivrea Cathedral: 10th-century architecture, 5 min from Piazza di Città.
• Ivrea Castle: 14th-century fortress, 10 min walk.
• Olivetti Museum: UNESCO site showcasing 20th-century design, 15 min walk.
• Day Trips: Turin (Mole Antonelliana, 40 km, ~45 min drive); Aosta Valley (Alpine castles, 60 km, ~1 hr).

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

Stalls at Piazza di Città, Piazza Ottinetti, and festival village (10:00 AM–10:00 PM) serve:

• Savory: Fagioli grassi (~$8–$12 USD), agnolotti, polenta with cod (~$8–$14 USD), vegan risotto (~$6–$12 USD).
• International: Italian focaccia, Moroccan-inspired vegetable stew (~$8–$14 USD).
• Desserts: Torta 900, panna cotta, gelato (~$3–$7 USD).
• Drinks: Barolo/Barbera wines, vin brulé, coffee (~$4–$8 USD); non-alcoholic spritz, teas (~$3–$5 USD). Allergen info available; card-only payments. Free water stations; no food/drinks in grandstands.

Dining Logistics

Stalls use compostable materials; recycling bins support zero-waste goals. Non-metallic 0.5L bottles allowed; no glass or alcohol in battle zones. Arrive 30 min early for security checks.

Getting There

By Air

• Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN): 40 km (~45 min drive, ~$100–$300 USD flights). Buses to Ivrea (~30 min, ~$5–$10 USD); taxis ~$33–$55 USD.
• Milan-Malpensa (MXP): 100 km (~1.5 hr drive, ~$100–$350 USD). Trains to Ivrea (~1.5 hr, ~$10–$20 USD).

By Train

• Ivrea Station: From Turin (~30 min, ~$5–$10 USD), Milan (~1.5 hr, ~$10–$20 USD), Aosta (~1 hr, ~$5–$15 USD). Walk to Piazza di Città (~10 min).

By Bus

• FlixBus from Turin (~1 hr, ~$5–$15 USD), Milan (~2 hr, ~$10–$20 USD). Stops at Ivrea Station; local buses to squares (~$2 USD).

By Car

• From Turin (A5, ~45 min, 40 km), Milan (A4/A5, ~1.5 hr, 100 km). Parking at Via Lago San Michele or Piazza del Rondolino (~$11–$22 USD/day, PRM spaces via comune.ivrea.to.it). Limited access in battle zones.

By Bike/Walking

• Bike rentals (~$11–$22 USD/day) via Ivrea Turismo. Racks at Piazza di Città. Venues within 5–15 min walk from Ivrea Station. Non-slip shoes recommended due to orange pulp.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Castello di Pavone (5 km): 4-star castle hotel, hilltop views, ~$150–$350 USD/night; castellodipavone.com.
• Hotel Le Briquetterie (2 km): 4-star, modern, ~$130–$300 USD/night; lebriquetterie.com.

Mid-Range

• Hotel Ideal (0.5 km): 3-star, central, ~$80–$180 USD/night; hotelideal.it.
• Il Tuchino B&B (0.3 km): Medieval charm, ~$70–$150 USD/night; iltuchino.it.

Budget

• B&B La Finestra sul Lago (2 km): Cozy, ~$50–$100 USD/night; booking.com.
• Auberge de Jeunesse Ivrea (1 km): Dorms (~$20–$50 USD/night), private rooms (~$40–$80 USD); hifrance.org.
• Camping Ivrea (5 km): Tent pitches, ~$20–$60 USD/night; campingivrea.it.

Airbnb

• Apartments/homes (~$50–$200 USD/night). Book 6–12 months early via airbnb.com.

Camping Notes

Campsites offer showers, toilets, Wi-Fi. No open fires; book via ivrea-turismo.it.

Accessibility

Overview

Adheres to Italian accessibility standards (Legge 104/92). PRM areas in all squares; apply for support via fondazione@storicocarnevaleivrea.it (December 2025). Red Cross on-site for medical needs.

Accessible Tickets

Free companion passes (1+1 policy) or reserved PRM seating in grandstands. Apply with disability proof (e.g., Italian disability card).

Venue Accessibility

• Squares: Ramps, accessible toilets, PRM viewing platforms at Piazza di Città and Ottinetti.
• Teatro Giacosa: Limited access (stairs); contact for arrangements.
• Festival Village: Flat paths, accessible stalls. Service dogs with ID permitted.

Transport Accessibility

• Parking: PRM spaces (~$11 USD/day, apply via comune.ivrea.to.it).
• Buses/Trains: Accessible FlixBus and Trenitalia services; Ivrea Station has ramps.
• Taxis: Accessible via Ivrea Taxis (+39 0125 634447).

Digital Accessibility

Carnival app (TBD) supports screen readers, high-contrast modes. Real-time chat support (Italian, English).

On-Site Support

PRM stewards at entrances (10:00 AM–10:00 PM); multilingual assistance. Strollers allowed in pedestrian zones; no chairs or lockers.