Understanding the Ivrea Carnival means recognizing the importance of each of its elements: traditions, symbols, and customs that have evolved over time and have been codified into a ceremonial tradition that has been repeated for more than two centuries. During the procession of the Historic Ivrea Carnival, also known as the “Giro”, every figure who plays a role in the Carnival is warmly and enthusiastically celebrated by the people of the city. Alongside the main characters, several historic groups contribute to bringing the parade to life:
the “Pifferi e Tamburi” (Pipers and Drummers) accompany the Carnival throughout the entire celebration. From Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday, the traditional tunes, passed down from generation to generation, provide the soundtrack to the event;
the “Stato Maggiore” (General Staff) is inspired by a Napoleonic military corps. It consists of Aides-de-Camp, Officers, and Vivandières, whose role is to assist the General in the organisation and management of the Carnival;
the “Scorta d’Onore della Mugnaia” (Mugnaia’s Honour Guard), established in 1991, is the group of costumed guards assigned to protect the Mugnaia. Their uniform is inspired by that of the Italic Army of the Cisalpine Republic, and their duty is to prevent spectators from approaching the Mugnaia too closely;
the “Alfieri” (Standard-Bearers) are the most recently established of the historic groups participating in the parade, having been founded in 1996. Their role is to lead the procession, carrying the historic parish banners that once preceded the marches of the first neighborhood Carnivals.
