Last Updated on December 21, 2024
Many have heard of the Tomatina battle in Spain, but few have heard of the Battle of the Oranges in Italy! This famous festival takes place during the Carnival of Ivrea in Northern Italy, starting just before Lent, and… yes, thousands of people throw oranges at each other! It sounds crazy, but it’s actually real and happens every year. I went, and it was pretty fun. I laughed a lot, and I would love to go again!
The most amazing food battle you will ever experience
Every year, in February, the small medieval town of Ivrea in northern Italy transforms into something unique. During the carnival, around 500,000 kilos of oranges (yes, you read that right!) become weapons in the biggest food fight in all of Europe.
“The Battle of the Oranges is not just a festival; it’s a living, breathing piece of history that reminds us of the power of unity and the triumph of the human spirit.” – Local historian Maria Rossi
But no, people don’t throw the fruit for fun – this tradition also has a fascinating history that dates back many centuries. Let me share everything about this unique celebration!
A Zesty Rebellion: The Origins of the Battle
Like many amazing Italian traditions, this one also starts with a brave woman! In the 12th century, there was a miller’s daughter named Violetta. The story goes that the evil local lord wanted to spend the first night with all the new brides. But Violetta stood up to the ruler, cut off his head (and, frankly, good for her), and started a rebellion against his troops.
Today, those who throw the oranges represent the common people who fought for their freedom, while the people in carriages represent the ruler’s guards. So, when you visit, you’ll see that the battle is between these two groups – those on the carriages and those on foot. Every year, people remember this fight for freedom, but with oranges instead of weapons!
- People initially threw beans, not oranges
- Apples later replaced the beans
- People adopted oranges as the ‘weapon’ of the battle in the 19th century.
Battle of Oranges in Ivrea, what to expect
The Battle of the Oranges is a three-day event that takes place just before Lent and culminates on Clean Monday.
For 2025 will take place between 1-4 March. Check the official website storicocarnevaleivrea.it
The city has nine teams that fight on foot. They represent the rebellious citizens. Then, there are about 50 carriages with people wearing protective gear – they are the “bad guys,” representing the ruler’s army. The teams throw oranges at each other in organized battles in the main squares of the city.
But this is not a playful battle! They train all year round and wear special colorful uniforms that represent their teams. Some families have been part of the same team for many generations!
The party goes on for several days with a full schedule!
- The General’s Parade: A procession led by the “General.”
- Violetta’s Parade: A young woman is picked to play the brave miller’s daughter. This was also my favorite! I learned that every year they select the most beautiful girl in town to play the role of Violetta.
- The Battle: Three days of crazy orange throwing!
Pretty Travels tip: Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. The participants in the battle wear protective gear, and there are designated areas for spectators.
What else do you need to know about the Battle of the Oranges?
Want to experience the Battle of the Oranges without ending up bruised? Here’s how:
- Wear the red cap: This marks you as a spectator, not a target. I know you might not like it, but do you want to get oranges thrown at your head? Trust me, it hurts!
- Stay in the safe zones: There are plenty of areas, especially behind nets, where you can watch without getting hit. If you start throwing, just know they will throw back, and they won’t show mercy!
- Book early: Hotels fill up quickly, the city is small, so it’s best to plan ahead!
Even if you don’t like chaos or are worried about being with small children and think it might be dangerous, this festival in Italy has many other things you can see. The parade with Mugnaia, the miller’s daughter, Violetta, who rides through the city throwing gifts and candies to the children. The festival features a fantastic parade where people wear historical costumes, music bands play traditional songs, and food festivals fill the evenings with delicious treats.onal songs, and wonderful food festivals in the evening.
Everyone in the city happily embraces the carnival’s rhythm and proudly preserves this tradition for centuries.
My Personal Experience
When I first visited the Battle of the Oranges, I was completely amazed by the energy! Even though oranges were flying everywhere and things were slipping, everything was very well organized. Despite the intensity of the battle, everyone was extremely friendly and eager to explain the traditions to visitors.
What surprised me most was how the whole city smelled like oranges for days! I also learned, of course, that they throw oranges that are not good and aren’t for consumption.
Note: due to its intense nature, Battle of Oranges might not be suitable for very young children or people who don't like crowds. Always follow safety instructions and stay in designated spectator areas!
Other Practical Information
How to get to the Battle of the Oranges Festival in Ivrea? The closest airports are in Turin and Milan. You can easily and quickly reach Ivrea by train. Be sure to book your accommodation at least 3-6 months in advance. Think that thousands of people search for accommodation in a tiny Italian town for this specific festival! If you do not want to stay in Ivrea and prefer to sleep a bit further away, in a more quite Italian village, maybe with a mountain view! Check out the offers here from Booking.com below, some have free cancellation
What is the origin of the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea?
The Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea has a fascinating historical origin dating back to the 12th century. It all started with a brave woman named Violetta, the miller’s daughter, who defied a local tyrant. She cut off his head and sparked a rebellion. The Battle of the Oranges today symbolizes the struggle of the common people fighting for their freedom, represented by those who throw oranges, while the tyrant’s guards are portrayed by those on horse-drawn carriages.
FAQ
The Battle of the Oranges takes place annually during the Carnival of Ivrea, which usually begins in February, just before Lent. It lasts for several days, with the most intense orange-throwing happening on Shrove Monday. For 2025 it is on 1, 2, 3 and 4th of March.
As a visitor, you can participate in the Battle of the Oranges by joining one of the nine teams that fight in the streets. But I highly recommend participating as a spectator, the people of Ivrea have been practicing for the battle all year long!
Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. If you want to declare that you are an innocent spectator just wear the red hat!
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the operation of this blog. All opinions expressed are my own, and I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will provide value to my readers.
Additionally, while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, details such as prices, operating hours, and availability may change. I recommend checking official sources before your visit to ensure you have the most current information.
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