War of the oranges: Nearly 1,000 tons of oranges fly in Italy's annual Carnival celebration

Organizers fight food waste by using 'ugly' oranges destined for the trash

Published: February 15, 2024 07:37 AP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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Ivrea, Italy: Over three pulpy days, nearly 1,000 tons of oranges were thrown in the recreation of a medieval battle that has become the centerpiece of the northern Italian town of Ivrea’s annual Carnival celebration. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Some 50 horse-drawn carriages transport the oranges to piazzas throughout the town, where teams gather to pelt each other with oranges. It's not long before the aranceri, or orange throwers, are drenched in pulp. Bystanders also get caught in the spray. Image Credit: REUTERS

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The origin of the massive food fight is believed to date to around 1,200 and the revolt against a tyrannical baron, resulting in his overthrow, the destruction of his castle and the creation of a free municipality. Image Credit: Reuters

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The battle was originally waged with beans, transitioning to oranges sometime along the way. The northern Piedmont region is not known for its orange groves and the biodegradable ammunition arrives from southern Italy. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Organizers say it is a waste-free event, since they purchase oranges that don’t make the grade and would otherwise be tossed out. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Revellers take part in a fight with oranges during an annual carnival battle in Ivrea. Image Credit: REUTERS

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Vitamin C warfare! This Italian carnival isn't for the faint of fruit. Image Credit: REUTERS

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This Italian carnival is the ultimate test of your Vitamin C tolerance. Image Credit: REUTERS

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They're taking this 'Vitamin C boost' a bit too literally. Image Credit: REUTERS

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By the end of each day, piazzas are covered in a layer of pulp, the result of tons of oranges not only being tossed, but also trod on by the thousands of tourists and residents alike who flood the city during the three-day event. The organic refuse is gathered by plows and transported to the town's compost center. Image Credit: REUTERS

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War of the oranges: Nearly 1,000 tons of oranges fly in Italy's annual Carnival celebration

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War of the oranges: Nearly 1,000 tons of oranges fly in Italy's annual Carnival celebration

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