Ivrea Carnival

The Battle of the Oranges runs over the three days before Lent: nine teams on foot occupy the town squares and throw oranges at crews riding horse-drawn carts, who throw back, in a re-enactment of a popular revolt against a tyrannical lord that the town dates to the Middle Ages. Around several hundred tonnes of oranges are used, shipped in from the south as surplus fruit. Spectators who do not want to be targeted wear a red Phrygian cap, which marks them as non-combatants; standing in the squares without one is taken as joining in. The streets are ankle-deep in pulp by the end.

The main sights

• The orange battle - foot teams against cart crews across the squares.
• The red caps - the marker that keeps spectators out of the fight.
• The cart crews - masked and padded riders on horse-drawn wagons.
• The pulp streets - squares deep in crushed fruit by the third day.

When to go

February, on the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; dates shift with Easter. Arrive early, as the town fills and access to the squares closes.

Good to know

Injuries happen; oranges are thrown hard and eye protection is sensible even with a red cap. Clothes will be ruined. Access to squares is restricted once battles start.

Nearby

Turin lies south; the Aosta Valley is north.