Event Details
Welcome to the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea 2027
From 7 to 9 February 2027, the northern Italian town of Ivrea in Piedmont becomes the stage for one of the world's most extraordinary carnival traditions: the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea and its legendary Battle of the Oranges (Battaglia delle Arance). The main battle days are Sunday, 7 February (Domenica di Carnevale), Monday, 8 February and Tuesday, 9 February 2027 (Martedì Grasso). In 2025, around 120,000 visitors attended the event.
History and Tradition
The Storico Carnevale di Ivrea has medieval roots and celebrates the legend of the Vezzosa Mugnaia, a miller's daughter who defied the town's tyrant. The Battle of the Oranges reenacts this revolt: nine teams of Aranceri a piedi (foot soldiers) representing the people fight without protective gear against throwers on horse-drawn carriages in leather helmets, who embody the feudal lord's army. Originally fought with beans, oranges imported from Sicily have been the projectile of choice since the 19th century. The battle is observed by a special commission that awards prizes to the most outstanding teams.
Highlights
- Battle of the Oranges across three days (7, 8 and 9 February 2027) in Ivrea's main squares
- Official presentation of the Vezzosa Mugnaia from the town hall balcony
- Historical Parade (Corteo Storico) with medieval costumes, Pifferai, Tamburi and Abbà
- Traditional free Fagiolata breakfast distributed across the city on Sunday morning
- Solemn Giuramento del Magnifico Podestà ceremony at Piazza Castello
- Preda in Dora ceremony on the old bridge over the Dora river
- Fireworks along the Lungo Dora in honour of the Vezzosa Mugnaia
- Villaggio Arancio gastronomic village with food and wine from the Canavese region
- Closing ceremony with Abbruciamento degli Scarli and funeral march on Martedì Grasso
Program (Battle of the Oranges)
The Battle of the Oranges takes place on all three main days. Carriages assemble from 13:00; the Corteo Storico and the battle itself begin at 14:00. Battle squares are Piazza di Città, Piazza Ottinetti, Borghetto, Piazza del Rondolino and Piazza Freguglia. On Martedì Grasso (9 February), the festival closes with the team awards ceremony, the Abbruciamento degli Scarli (burning of hay bundles symbolising the end of winter) and the traditional farewell "Arvédze a giòbia 'n bot" at Piazza Ottinetti around 22:45. The official closing protocol is read at 23:00 in Piazza di Città.
Tickets
A paid entry ticket is required to enter the Ivrea city centre on the Domenica di Carnevale (7 February 2027). The official price in 2026 was €15 plus a presale fee; the 2027 prices will be published on the official website. Tickets are available via TicketOne and at the gates on the day. Free entry applies to children under 12, Ivrea residents, people with disabilities and registered Aranceri with a valid badge. Six entry gates are in operation: Porta Torino, Porta Miniere, Porta Garibaldi, Porta Circonvallazione, Porta Vercelli and Porta Mulini. Online purchase is limited to a maximum of 10 tickets per transaction.
Safety & Rules
- The red Phrygian Cap (Berretto Frigio) is obligatory from Giovedì Grasso for all spectators who do not wish to be targeted by oranges. Wearing it signals neutrality and is respected by the Aranceri.
- Visitors without a red cap are treated as opponents and become fair targets during the battle.
- The oranges used are not fit for consumption and are imported specifically from Sicily; all organic remains are composted after the festival.
- Protective clothing is recommended for those wishing to actively participate in the battle.
Visitor Tips
- Ivrea is approximately 40 minutes by car from Turin and is well connected by train (station: Ivrea).
- On battle days, public transport is strongly recommended; car parking is very limited.
- Book accommodation in Ivrea or Turin several months in advance.
- Wear warm, washable clothing: February in Ivrea can be cold and oranges leave stains.
- Visit the Villaggio Arancio at Piazza Ottinetti for authentic Canavese food and wine.
