About this Event
The Storico Carnevale di Ivrea is one of Italy’s oldest and most extraordinary carnivals, with rites rooted in medieval legend and the first written record of its ceremonies dating to 1808. It re-enacts the people’s revolt against a tyrant, led by the Vezzosa Mugnaia, the miller’s daughter Violetta, symbol of freedom. In 2027 the season opens on Epiphany and builds to the world-famous Battle of the Oranges, when nine teams on foot pelt horse-drawn carts with oranges across the historic squares.
Date & Time
The Festival will run from 6 January to 10 February 2027.
Explore Local Experiences
Venue & Location
The carnival takes place throughout the historic centre of Ivrea, in Piedmont, northern Italy. The heart of the celebrations is Piazza di Città, 10015 Ivrea (TO), Italy, with battles also held in Piazza Ottinetti, Borghetto, Piazza del Rondolino and Piazza Freguglia.
Staying overnight?
Check the nearest hotel near the venue.
Full Programme
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 6 January | 09:00 | Opening march |
| 24 January | 09:00 | Bean Feasts |
| 31 January | 10:00 | Float parade |
| 4 February | 14:00 | Opening ceremony |
| 6 February | 21:00 | Mugnaia presentation |
| 6 February | 21:30 | Torchlight parade |
| 7 February | 14:00 | Orange Battle |
| 8 February | 14:00 | Orange Battle |
| 9 February | 14:00 | Final Orange Battle |
| 9 February | 20:15 | Closing ceremony |
| 10 February | 11:00 | Polenta and Cod distribution |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you plan your visit.
When does the Historic Carnival of Ivrea 2027 start and end?
The 2027 carnival season opens on Epiphany, 6 January 2027, and ends on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027. The headline Battle of the Oranges is held on 7, 8 and 9 February 2027.
What is the story behind the Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea?
Legend says the miller’s daughter Violetta refused the tyrant’s droit du seigneur, beheaded him and sparked a popular uprising in 1194. The battle re-enacts that revolt, with the teams on foot representing the common people and the throwers on the carts representing the tyrant’s guards.
Do visitors need to wear a red hat at Ivrea Carnival?
Yes, wearing the red Phrygian cap is essential for spectators. It marks you as a neutral bystander and signals that you should not be targeted with oranges. Without it, orange throwers may assume you are taking part. Red hats are sold all over Ivrea during carnival.
Is the Battle of the Oranges free to watch, and can visitors take part?
Watching from the squares is generally possible, with some viewing areas and grandstands ticketed in recent editions, so check the official programme on storicocarnevaleivrea.it before visiting. Visitors who want to throw oranges must join one of the nine official teams, with registration, costume and safety rules applying.
Is Ivrea Carnival suitable for families and how do I get there?
Families enjoy the parades, the Mugnaia procession and the bean feasts, but the Battle of the Oranges is intense, noisy and messy, so keep young children well back or in protected viewing areas. Ivrea is in Piedmont, about an hour from Turin by train or car, and the historic centre is best explored on foot during carnival days.
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