“Should anyone dare show disrespect to the Mugnaia, that strong yet gracious symbol, all of Ivrea would rise in fury to defend her.”
In these words by Francesco Carandini, historian of Ivrea, and Angelo Pietra, a passionate scholar of the Carnival, lies the city’s deep affection for the Mugnaia. It is a genuine and profound bond, difficult to explain to anyone outside the Ivrea community, yet tangible throughout every moment of the celebration. From the very instant of her proclamation, when she is welcomed by an ecstatic crowd.
The Vezzosa Mugnaia is the most important figure of the Historic Ivrea Carnival. Introduced into the celebration in 1858, she embodies “Violetta”, the miller’s daughter who rebelled against the tyrant oppressing the people by beheading him. Chosen from among the young brides of Ivrea, her identity remains secret until the evening of her proclamation. From that moment on, she takes her place of honour in the Historic Parade through the streets of the city. The colours of her attire were chosen as a tribute to the Italian tricolour and the unification of Italy, the defining historical event of that period: the green sash worn across her chest, the white dress symbolising purity, and the Berretto frigio (Phrygian cap), emblem of the people’s revolt.
The Mugnaia is a figure born from the intertwining of history and legend. According to tradition, during the Middle Ages a feudal lord oppressed the town with taxes and abuses, even claiming the ius primae noctis (a right for which, in reality, there is no historical evidence). On the night of her wedding, the young bride “Violetta” climbed to the castle and, after swearing to her husband, “Toniotto”, that she would never submit, drew a dagger and killed the tyrant before displaying his severed head to the people below. It was the signal for the uprising that led to the destruction of the castle. Behind this legend may lie a historical event: a revolt sparked by increased taxes on grain milling in Ivrea, a town shaped by the Dora Baltea River and its many floating mills.
During the period of the Italian Risorgimento, the Mugnaia also came to symbolise a united Italy. Her attire echoes the colours of the national flag: the green sash across her chest, the white dress representing purity, and the Berretto frigio as the emblem of popular revolt.
Accompanied by the “Generale” and her “Scorta d’Onore” (General and Honor Guard), she leads the procession first on foot and then aboard her golden carriage.
