Il Libro
Storico Carnivale di Ivrea
Carnevale di Ivrea is one of the most historic and famous carnivals in Italy. This carnival is celebrated in a particular way which stands out against the rest of the country. It consists of a ’bataglia di arance’ (an orange throwing battle), shutting down the entire town. From Sunday to Tuesday between 1pm and 5pm, there are oranges being thrown in all the squares and even on the town’s bridge. Everywhere you look there are broken noses and black eyes. This is not a carnival for the weak.
The origin of the carnival is part legend and truth, with the history morphing the carnival over time. In medieval times it was tradition that the Baron of the land would act out ‘jus prima noctis’ by taking a bride’s virginity on the night of her wedding. It is said that the Vezzosa Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) Violetta refuted this and beheaded the baron, setting the town free with a heroic act of rebellion.
This publication recounts the story of one day at the carnival.
Designed and crafted by Nicoletta
Photography by Nicoletta and Hannah de Oliveira Whitlock
Printing by booths