The Historic Ivrea Carnival has deep medieval roots. Having evolved into a civic celebration during the nineteenth century, it is considered the oldest historic Carnival in Italy. Its ceremonial tradition is repeated year after year with extraordinary participation from the local community and is brought to life by a procession of figures representing different historical periods. The five principal figures are:
The Vezzosa Mugnaia is the very soul of the Carnival. Also known as “Violetta”, she embodies the spirit of the popular uprising commemorated in the Battle of the Oranges. She is the female figure who symbolises the triumph of the people over tyranny. Since 1858, she has been chosen from among the young brides of Ivrea. Her identity remains secret until the evening of Carnival Saturday, when she is presented from the Town Hall balcony to the eagerly awaiting crowd.
The General does not portray a specific historical figure, but rather the citizen entrusted with leading the Carnival during the Napoleonic era. Presented each year on Epiphany, he inherits the sabre and bicorne hat from his predecessor. Until 1808, each of the city’s five districts had its own head of the festivities; from that year onwards, a single General has been symbolically invested with full authority by the Mayor of Ivrea.
The Deputy Grand Chancellor is the guardian of the Carnival protocol. Since the role first appeared at the beginning of the nineteenth century, he has recorded the proceedings of the official ceremonies. These records are preserved in the original register, which remains in the custody of the senior notary of Ivrea.
The Abbà represents the young leader once entrusted with organising the historic neighbourhood Carnivals. Today, each of the five parishes of Ivrea’s historic centre is represented by two children. On the final evening of the Carnival, they are responsible for lighting the scarlo of their parish and, during the Historic Parade, they carry a small sword topped with an orange, symbolising the severed head of the tyrant.
The Podestà is a historical office dating back to the twelfth century. As the highest authority of Ivrea’s municipal government, succeeding feudal rule, together with the Credendari he represented the institution responsible for the city’s administration and justice. On Carnival Sunday, the Podestà takes centre stage in the historical reenactment of the Preda in Dora.
