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Brace yourself for a citrusy extravaganza as we prepare for the colorful Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, Italy. Scheduled to happen on February 11 every year, this unique event will have you looking at oranges in a whole new way! The city is bathed in vibrant hues and the air is filled with the intoxicating scent of fresh oranges. A tradition dating back to the 12th century, this event is claimed to commemorate a rebellion against a tyrant by the citizens of Ivrea. So gear up, because it's time to let the oranges fly and revel in the spirit of jubilance, triumph and community! Join in, and experience one of the most exciting and unconventional festivals in the world.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Medieval Beginnings</div><div class='timeline-text'>Although the exact date is unknown, the Battle of the Oranges is believed to have originated in the 12th century as a rebellion against tyranny.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1858</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beans to Oranges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Initially, beans were thrown during the event. However, this changed to oranges in the mid-19th century, turning it into a more colorful declaration of rebellion.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1934</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Teams</div><div class='timeline-text'>The citizens of Ivrea organized themselves into nine combat teams, formalizing the tradition of team-based battles and amplifying the sense of community within the festival.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Miller's Daughter</div><div class='timeline-text'>The practice of crowning a young woman as 'Mugnaia' (Miller's Daughter), one of the symbols of the festival, was started to add more tradition and pageantry to the event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Environmental Concerns Addressed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The festival committee worked on environmental initiatives to make the event more sustainable. Oranges, previously wasted, were composted after the event, underlining a commitment to waste reduction and recycle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, the festival adapted with restrictions and ultimately had to cancel its 2021 edition, showing resilience and flexibility in preserving tradition during troubled times.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join a team</h3><p class='facts-text'>Experience the Battle of the Oranges as a participant by joining one of the nine combat teams. Get your orange-throwing arm ready and join in on the fun that embodies the spirit of this historical event.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make orange-themed dishes</h3><p class='facts-text'>In the spirit of the festival, cook up some traditional Italian dishes but with a twist - incorporate oranges into every recipe. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a citrus-infused menu to enjoy while participating in the festivities from home.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host your own smaller battle</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite your friends and family to have your own miniature Battle of the Oranges in the backyard. Remember that safety comes first, so ensure everyone is well-protected!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Attend wearing traditional costume</h3><p class='facts-text'>To get into the spirit of the festival, research and dress up in traditional Italian peasant outfits from the 12th century. This will enhance your experience by transporting you back to the time when the rebellion first took place.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the local attractions</h3><p class='facts-text'>In between battles, take the time to visit and appreciate Ivrea's historical landmarks like the Ivrea Cathedral, the Ivrea Castle, and the Roman Amphitheatre. This will give a more rounded experience of the festival, seeing its historical significance in a broader context.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Exciting and Unique</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, Italy is not your typical holiday event. The sight of citizens energetically throwing oranges is both thrilling and one-of-a-kind. It's a fantastic way to celebrate a tradition while also having an exhilarating time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Combines History and Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This event dates back to the 12th century, and it commemorates a significant historical event in Ivrea. Thus, it is a unique opportunity to learn more about Italian history and experience Italian culture in a fun and immersive way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fosters a Sense of Community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Battle of the Oranges cultivates a sense of community among local residents and participants, as everyone throws themselves into the action together. It encourages teamwork, healthy competition, and creates fond shared memories.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 500,000 Kilograms of Oranges are Imported for the Battle</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, Ivrea imports over half a million kilograms of oranges from Sicily specifically for the Battle of the Oranges. While the city does have its own orange trees, they aren't suitable for throwing and are left untouched during the battle.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Festival Marks the Start of Italian Carnival Season</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Battle of the Oranges is an important kick-off event for Italian Carnival Season, which lasts until Mardi Gras. The festival's lively atmosphere sets the stage for an entire season of festivity and merriment across Italy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Oranges Symbolize Medieval Weapons</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the spirit of the rebellion that the event commemorates, the oranges thrown during the battle symbolize the ancient weapons used by medieval rebels to revolt against their oppressors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Event Focuses on Regional Role-play</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the battle, participants are divided into 'commoners' and 'tyrants' teams, simulating the historic class struggles that led to the original uprising for which the Battle of the Oranges is named.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A horse-drawn cart delivers Oranges to the Battlefield</h3><p class='facts-content'>Organizers don’t just dump a truckload of oranges in the town square. Instead, oranges are delivered to various spots across Ivrea in a series of ornate, horse-drawn carts, adding an extra touch of historical authenticity to the proceedings.</p></div></div>
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