How long has the battle of oranges been around?
The annual tradition is thought to date back to the 12th century. Italians in the northern town of Ivrea celebrated the carnival season with a historic local tradition dubbed “The Battle of the Oranges”.
Can anyone participate in the Battle of the Oranges?
Anyone can join in the Battle of the Oranges, but instead of watching it from afar, the best way to enjoy it is to participate in the revelry itself! However, keep in mind that this citrus civil war reenactment means that everyone gets hit by a few oranges.
When did the Battle of the Oranges start?
1808
Carnival of Ivrea/First event date
What time does the battle of oranges start?
around 2 pm
The battle of the oranges usually starts on Sunday around 2 pm ending with the judges’ decision on which team won this year’s battle. Citizens of the town Ivrea consider this carnival to be an important part of their culture and like to describe this battle as a “liberating” event.
What was the Battle of the Oranges at Ivrea Carnival?
Chucking oranges is the highlight and main attraction of Ivrea’s Carnival and the Battle of Oranges experience. Ivrea’s earlier battles involved beans but apparently, a surplus of citrus fruit from producers around Nice in the early nineteenth century set the stage for the ammunition of carnival battles to come.
Where is the Battle of the Oranges in Italy?
For our first Festival Friday post, we’ll take you to Ivrea in northern Italy, home of one of the craziest Carnival traditions in the world – the Battle of the Oranges! Before the battle begins… All I can see is a flash of orange, then I am hit in the chest.
How many oranges are thrown in the Battle of the Oranges?
Three thousand tonnes of oranges are thrown during the three days of Carnival. After the battle, they are processed into compost. I run into Silvia again, as the battle is winding down.
Where do aranceri go in Battle of the Oranges?
Aranceri on foot rush back and forth, to the sides of the square stacked with orange crates, filling their shoulder bags and baggy tops. As soon as a cart approaches, they charge, bombarding it with oranges.