Thousands descended on the town of Ivrea in northern Italy to take part in the messiest, fruitiest of fights: The Battle of Oranges, the highlight of Ivrea’s annual carnival. Tons of oranges are thrown during the three-day battle.
Thousands of fighters, in Italian “Aranceri”, or “Orangiers” are involved in final day’s battle.
The origins of the food fight are believed to date back to around 1,200 AD with the revolt against a tyrannical baron.
He was overthrown, his castle destroyed and a free municipality was created.
According to the legend, the rebellion was led by Violetta, daughter of a miller and betrothed to Toniotto, who refused to respect a feudal law that allowed the local baron to sleep with any bride on her wedding night, instead of her husband.
During the modern version of the battle, the “baron’s army” crosses the city on horse-drawn carts through the “common folks” on the ground, who are separated into nine teams, as they pelt each other with oranges.