The battle of the oranges is a modern-day reminder of the civil war that broke out between the people of Ivrea (who are represented by those throwing oranges on foot without protection) and the Royal Napoleonic Troops (represented by those throwing oranges from carts wearing protective masks). Before the orange-pelting begins, onlookers are given an opportunity to see the horse and carriages that form part of the parade. Each year local artists decorate the carriages with a variety of stunning images, scenes and colours.
Meanwhile, through the streets of the city sweets and presents are handed out to spectators, whilst the traditional procession passes Ivrea’s streets made up of floats, theatre and musical groups that come from across Italy and beyond.
