Ivrea Carnival, carnival celebration in Ivrea, Italy
The Carnival of Ivrea is a multi-day festival in the Italian city of Ivrea featuring parades, ceremonial phases, and the climax of the Battle of the Oranges. Streets fill with costumes, masks, and the red Berretto Frigio caps, while music and fireworks mark different days of the celebration.
The carnival has roots in the Middle Ages and tells of an uprising against a harsh ruler, with the legendary Mugnaia leading the rebellion. Over centuries, the festival evolved into a complex ceremony with multiple phases and ritual meanings that are preserved to this day.
The carnival is embodied each year by the Vezzosa Mugnaia, a figure representing freedom and resistance that has been part of the celebration since 1858. Her presentation from the town hall balcony is a central moment where the community celebrates and lives out its story of rebellion and independence.
Visitors should arrive early to secure a good spot for parades and battles, and wear comfortable clothing if planning to walk around during the day. It is advisable to wear the red Berretto Frigio cap and try local food, which adds to the festive experience.
The Battle of the Oranges follows strict rules where oranges are not mere fruit but historical symbols of the fight against oppression. This ancient tradition has persisted across centuries, showing how a small town keeps its stories alive.
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