Historic Carnival of Ivrea
The Battle of the Oranges and the legend of the Miller's Daughter in the heart of the Canavese
About Ivrea Carnival
The Historic Carnival of Ivrea
The Historic Carnival of Ivrea is the most famous and iconic event in the town of Ivrea, located in the heart of the Canavese area, in the Province of Turin, Piedmont. It is one of the oldest and most evocative carnivals in Italy, attracting over one hundred thousand visitors annually from across the country and abroad, drawn primarily by the spectacular Battle of the Oranges, a unique event that paints the city squares red.
The legend of the Miller's Daughter
The symbolic heart of the Carnival is the legend of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (the Charming Miller's Daughter), Violetta, a young woman who, according to tradition, rebelled against the ius primae noctis by killing the local tyrant, sparking a popular uprising against oppression. This story of freedom forms the basis of the entire Carnival: the Miller's Daughter is the most beloved figure, and her identity remains a secret every year until her official presentation from the Town Hall balcony.
The Battle of the Oranges
The most anticipated moment is the Battle of the Oranges, which takes place during the Carnival's main days. Nine teams of orange throwers on foot represent the rebelling people and face off bare-handed against the orange throwers on horse-drawn carts, who impersonate the tyrant's guards. The clashes ignite in the historic squares of the center—Piazza Ottinetti, Piazza di Città, Borghetto, Piazza del Rondolino, and Freguglia—in a crescendo of colors, the scent of citrus, and adrenaline. Those watching without participating wear the famous red Phrygian cap, a symbol of solidarity with the revolt and immunity from being pelted.
The historical pageant and traditions
Beyond the Battle, the Carnival is a succession of ancient rituals: the investiture of the General, the Prise du Drapeau ceremony, the Fagiolate (bean feasts) with the distribution of beans in the districts, the Preda in Dora, the Palio of the Orange Throwers, and the Abbruciamento degli Scarli, the symbolic poles erected in the parishes and burned at the end of the festivities. The fireworks display over the Lungo Dora and the historical pageant, with its lavish costumes, complete an event recognized as part of Piedmont's popular heritage.
Why it's worth the trip
Experiencing the Ivrea Carnival means immersing yourself in an authentic festival deeply felt by the community, where history, folklore, and popular participation merge. It is not a show built for tourists, but a living tradition that the people of Ivrea have proudly passed down for generations.
Ivrea Carnival — edition 2026
The 2026 Historic Carnival of Ivrea confirmed its centuries-old structure, from the opening on January 6 with the parade of Pifferi and Tamburi and the investiture of the General, to the grand finale on Shrove Tuesday. The three days of the Battle of the Oranges (February 15-17) saw the nine teams of orange throwers on foot challenge the horse-drawn carts in the city center squares, while the charming Miller's Daughter and the historical pageant enlivened the city of Ivrea. The closing on February 18 respected tradition with the distribution of polenta and cod in Piazza Lamarmora.
Programme Ivrea Carnival 2026
January 6 — Opening
- 09:00 — Parade of Pifferi and Tamburi from the city center
- 12:00 — Official investiture of the 2026 General in Piazza di Città
- 16:00 — Holy Mass in the Cathedral and Candle Ceremony
February 1 and 8 — Carnival Sundays
- Bean feasts in the districts with distribution of beans
- February 1, 11:30 — Prise du Drapeau: ceremony marking the start of the Campaign
February 14 — Saturday
- 21:00 — Presentation of the Miller's Daughter from the Town Hall balcony
- 22:30 — Fireworks display on the Lungo Dora
- 23:00 — Dance of the Miller's Daughter and the General in Piazza di Città
February 15 — Carnival Sunday
- 11:00 — Parade of guest groups on the Lungo Dora
- 13:00 — Formation of the horse-drawn carts and preparation
- 14:00 — March of the Historical Pageant and Battle of the Oranges in the squares Ottinetti, di Città, Borghetto, Rondolino, and Freguglia
- Oaths of the Podestà and the Armigeri, Preda in Dora
February 16 — Monday
- Zappata degli Scarli and delivery of the Tree of Liberty
- Battle of the Oranges with pairs and four-horse teams
February 17 — Shrove Tuesday
- Palio of the Orange Throwers
- Final Battle of the Oranges
- 18:00 — Award ceremony
- Evening — Burning of the Scarli with funeral march
February 18 — Ash Wednesday
- Distribution of polenta and cod in Piazza Lamarmora — closing of the Carnival
Highlights Ivrea Carnival 2026
Prices Ivrea Carnival 2026
Practical information — Ivrea Carnival
Getting there
By train: Ivrea is served by the station on the Turin–Aosta line, with frequent regional connections from Turin Porta Nuova (about 50 minutes). By car: A5 Turin–Aosta motorway, Ivrea exit. During the days of the Battle, the center is closed to traffic; it is advisable to use peripheral parking lots and public transport.
Tickets
An entrance ticket is required to watch the Battle of the Oranges in the squares (approximately 15 euros plus booking fees for Sunday), available online via TicketOne and at the ticket offices on the day of the event. Admission is free for children under 12, residents, people with disabilities, and the orange throwers.
Tips
Wear the red Phrygian cap to avoid being a target and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Book your accommodation well in advance: during the peak days, Ivrea and the surrounding Canavese area are usually fully booked.
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Where does it take place — Ivrea Carnival
Centro storico di Ivrea
Piazza di Città, 10015 Ivrea