The perfect city to celebrate Carnival-Laurom, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
February is the month of Carnival. In many cities it is celebrated for only a week, in others, however, it lasts much longer. A sort of ritual that, finally, after two problematic years due to Covid, will return in all its splendor even in the most historic places of this celebration. We think of Venice, Viareggio, but not only. In Piedmont there is another very important reality from this point of view. Let’s find out which one.
If we think about the carnival party immediately the mind goes to two famous cities in the world for this. Rio de Janeiro Brazil and Venice in Italy. Immediately after that, staying in our country, we could quote Viareggio. A respectable podium which, however, must not overshadow other cities. Maybe less famous, but where you can still experience the festive atmosphere of the Carnival.
It is the case of a Common which is almost in half between the two largest metropolitan centers in the North, ie Milan and Turin. Belonging to Piemonte region, the city is waiting to be discovered and could easily be visited during this month of February. To discover it and to experience one of the most evocative carnival celebrations in all of Italy. We are talking about Ivrea.
The castle of Ivrea-Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
What to see in Ivrea
Just over 22 thousand inhabitants. Since 2018 she has joined the UNESCO heritage. It is found at a few kilometers from the Aosta Valley, but it is also the apex of an ideal triangle with the Piedmontese capital and Milan. Bathed by Dora Baltheaits historic center is located on a hill that does not reach 300 meters.
Made famous in the world by Olivetti, one of the industrial excellences of the area, is a municipality to visit, especially during Carnival. This is because it has a great tradition linked to this holiday. However, before dwelling on the program of the party, it is right to indicate some attractions to see. Starting right from Technology museum showing the legends Letter 22 and the Valentine, prodigies of the Olivetti technique of an era that today seems like prehistory. Or, staying on topic, theformer Hotel La Serraa futuristic structure for the Sixties, shaped like a typewriter. With 55 residential units, a swimming pool and two shopping arcades.
For lovers of history further away, however, here is theRoman amphitheaterthe castle and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assuntaall of which can be visited in the small historic centre.
The battle of the oranges for the Carnival in Ivrea-Lupo, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
The city of Ivrea and also yours are all to be discovered Carnival program
Three Sundays full of events for the program of Carnival 2023. From February 5thwith the presentation of the Abbasstarring the children. Two of them will be chosen to represent the five parishes in the city. They will be shown to the public, under their home, from General and from Substitute Chancellor who will raise them to heaven for acclamation.
The February 12ththen, there will be presentation of the floats with the parades through the historical centre. The highlighthowever, it will be Sunday 19 February with the famous battle of the oranges. Three days in which we will take to “orange drinks”strictly not good to eat. The reason? There are many legends around this gesture, certainly with a common denominator: the rebellion of the people against the powerful. A tradition that will return in 2023 after a two-year hiatus. Between Milan and Turin, the fantastic city of Ivrea is waiting to be discovered, with its historic Carnival, a must visitespecially on February 19th.
