THE BATTLE OF THE ORANGES, IVREA, ITALY
The Battle of the Oranges is a festival in the Northem Italian city of Ivrea.The battle takes place during the historical Carnival of Ivrea, on February and lasts Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The orange battle starts Sunday at 2pm.
Legend says that some time between the 12th and 13th centuries, Ivrea’s lord attempted to rape the daughter of a miller on the eve of her wedding, because he could take the virginity of his serfs’ daughters. But the plan fail, and the rebellious young woman decapitated him and she set the town free from his oppression.
This battle involves thousands of townspeople, divided into nine combat teams, who throw oranges at each other. The carriages represent the king's fortress and the orange throwers the revolutionaries. Originally townspeople used to throw beans, then apples and finally in the 19th century, oranges came to represent the stones thrown at the king's castle.
Although the carnival has prompted criticism for the number of injuries and the waste of oranges, the townspeople of Ivrea consider it an important part of their culture.
When I was looking for a festival to write about I didn't imagine that could exist this Battle of the oranges. This festival surprised me and I found it very funny, that is why I decided to search information and talk about it.
I like this battle for a differents reasons. One of them is that is based on a legend and it is part of the story of this town so the battle is not in vain. Another reason is because I think it's a very funny way to remember the legend. Scares me a little the warning of the consequences of the oranges hits but however I would participate it.
