The Storico Carnevale di Ivrea is a multi-day historical celebration rooted in medieval legends about the citizens’ struggle for freedom. The central event of the carnival is the Battaglia delle Arance, a staged battle between teams of aranceri, symbolising a popular uprising against tyranny.
In addition to the orange battles, the programme includes historical processions, ceremonies, parades, the presentation of the Vezzosa Mugnaia, the symbolic heroine of the Carnival, and traditional rituals connected with the city’s civic identity.
The celebrations officially begin on 6 January (Epiphany) with the march of the Pifferi e Tamburi (fife and drum players), the investiture ceremony of the new General, and historical processions through the city centre.
The celebrations continue on 17 January with traditional Fagiolate, the Prise du Drapeau and the Alzate degli Abbà. On 31 January, the historic centre hosts the parade and presentation of the Carri da Getto — the horse-drawn carts that later take part in the famous Battle of the Oranges.
The main carnival period runs from 4 to 9 February 2027. On Giovedì Grasso, 4 February, the programme includes the Calzata del Berretto Frigio, the General’s ceremonial ride on horseback and the Historical Procession accompanied by the Pifferi e Tamburi. The following days bring the presentation of the Vezzosa Mugnaia, historical parades, fireworks, traditional rituals and the three days of the Battaglia delle Arance.
Visitors should note that entry to Ivrea on Carnival Sunday, 7 February 2027, is subject to an admission fee. Children under 12, Ivrea residents, people with disabilities, registered Aranceri and participants in the historical procession are admitted free of charge.
Storico Carnevale di Ivrea
