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Oranges, Source: Pixabay

The three-day food fight in Ivrea, Italy

The three-day food fight in Ivrea, Italy

Thousands of people join one of the most unusual festivals

Italy is home to many spectacular spring carnivals. From the most known festivals - the masks and extravagant costumes in Venice and the political satire in Viareggio, to one of the most unusual ones - the three-day food fight. The event takes place in the small northwestern Italian town Ivrea, where thousands gather each February to be engaged in bitter fighting with oranges. It is not exactly clear why oranges are the fruit of choice, and in previous decades, beans or apples were used instead.

There are many rituals included in the celebration processes – people dress up as different characters no matter if they are taking part in the fight or are just spectators. Other rituals include a large bonfire, again symbolic of the revolt but also of the arrival of spring, as well as the musical and theatrical performances common to many Italian carnivals. The carnival has taken place each year since 1808, which makes this year celebration the carnival's 210th edition.

Source: The Local

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