Every February, the small Italian town of IVREA has a very interesting traditional festival called "Battaglia delle Arance". Every year on Shrove Tuesday in the West, residents of the ancient medieval Italian town of Ivrea gather in the central square to punch each other with oranges.

When the clock strikes 2 p.m., the city is filled with the sound of hooves, the roar and the strong smell of orange. Of all the carnivals I've been to this year, it's my second favorite. You could see that everyone in the city was literally in a state of ecstasy.

It's a massive orange war in which participants throw oranges at each other in the streets, simulating a medieval townspeople rebelling against a tyrant. The festival, which dates back to the 12th century and is part of the Italian Carnival, is full of cheerful atmosphere and historical significance.

Because of strict EU agricultural policy restrictions, Italian farmers have to throw away the oranges they can't sell each year, so they hit the evil guards sitting on their chariots with oranges after thinking about this story. In this way, the festival has been continued to this day.

Haha Most are moldy oranges, a few are edible, not sour, very sweet. If you're going, bring your juicer and drink your orange juice on the go.

🏰 The backstory

Although it sounds like a spoof holiday, it is actually based on a true story from history.

Ivrea is said to have been ruled by a tyrant who claimed the right to sleep with young brides on their wedding night, and Violetta, the daughter of the local miller, refused to exercise this privilege and cut off his head. Then the whole town rose up and burned the Duke's castle to the ground.

Every year since then, the town has recreated this symbolic battle.

🎊 Festival activities

The participants were divided into "foot soldiers" and "garrison troops." The infantry threw oranges at the defenders and the two sides fought fiercely. About 500,000 kilograms of oranges are used every year! The epidemic stopped for three years and finally restarted in recent years, and the nine participating teams reached a maximum of more than 2,000 people, which seems to be really bad!

There is also a carnival parade with medieval costumes, bands, dance groups and ornately decorated floats that should not be missed!

Traditional food and music, enjoy authentic Italian food and live music!

💡 Tips

1. Wear a red hat: Remember, if you don't want to be targeted, you must wear a red hat, which means you are not a participant in the game. Take safety precautions to avoid getting hurt if you participate.
   

2. Wear protective gear: For safety, participants are required to wear protective gear, especially helmets.

3. Take photos: Don't forget to bring your camera to record this unique carnival!

🍊 Feel the collision of history and passion

The Orange Festival is not only a carnival and entertainment, it deeply reflects the history and culture of the town of Ivrea and is a symbol of freedom and justice. Every participant and spectator can feel the echoes of history in laughter and passion.

If you have the opportunity to go to the small town of Ivrea and join this grand orange war, you can deeply experience Italy's most carnival festival and feel a strong sense of history!