The Historic Ivrea Carnival is a complex ceremonial tradition that involves the entire city: a succession of events, rituals, symbols and historic figures that shape the first months of the year.
In January, Epiphany marks the opening of the Carnival. With the first appearance of the Pifferi e Tamburi and the investiture of the General, the people of Ivrea gather in Piazza di Città to celebrate a moment of shared joy.
On the third and second Sundays before Carnival, anticipation builds through a series of events rich in symbolic meaning: the ceremonial handover of the Book of Records, the Prise du drapeau, the presentation of the Abbà, the reconciliation between the districts of Borghetto and San Maurizio, and the presentation of the Carri da Getto taking part in the Battle of the Oranges. The music of the Pifferi e Tamburi and the first Fagiolate then usher the city towards the most eagerly awaited week of the year.
On Fat Thursday, the General is symbolically invested with full authority by the Mayor, and, in accordance with his official ordinance, citizens finally wear the Berretto frigio, the symbol of freedom and equality. For many, this marks the true beginning of the Carnival.
Then, after months of anticipation and speculation, whether true or unfounded, the identity of the Mugnaia is finally revealed on Carnival Saturday. Acclaimed by the jubilant crowd gathered beneath the Town Hall, the symbolic figure of the Historic Ivrea Carnival parades through the city’s streets, accompanied by the Historic Parade, joined by the Aranceri and Carnival revellers.
The following morning, Carnival Sunday begins with the historical reenactment of the “Preda in Dora”. In the afternoon, the city’s squares come alive with the opening day of the Battle of the Oranges and the passage of the Mugnaia. Her golden carriage is accompanied by the Historic Parade to the notes of Una volta anticamente.
On Monday morning, to the sound of the Pifferi e Tamburi, and during a ceremony conducted by the Deputy Grand Chancellor, the General and the Stato Maggiore escort newly married couples to the Zappata degli Scarli.
In the afternoon, the Aranceri and the Carri da Getto compete continuously until evening, while the Carnival’s principal figures visit each of the battle squares.
Tuesday brings the Carnival to its conclusion. The afternoon, marked by the passage of the Historic Parade and the final day of the Battle of the Oranges, culminates in the awards ceremony for the Aranceri and the Carri da Getto in Piazza del Municipio. In the evening, following the Burning of the Scarli and the symbolic funeral march of the procession, the General bids farewell to the Pifferi e Tamburi before returning to the Town Hall, where the Deputy Grand Chancellor reads the Closing Record.
The following morning, the Carnival concludes with the traditional serving of polenta and salt cod in Piazza Lamarmora, attended by the Bishop and the Carnival’s principal figures, now dressed in civilian clothes. It is a moment that marks the end of a collective ritual which, for the people of Ivrea, is far more than a spectacle to witness: it is a shared experience, renewed year after year. The celebration comes to an end on Ash Wednesday, already looking ahead to the next Carnival.
