Lo Storico Carnevale
di Ivrea
8.30 a.m.
Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums band) musters in Piazza di Città.
9.00 a.m.
Debut of the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums): 2023 Carnival opening march through the town centre streets: piazza di Città, via Palestro, piazza Balla, corso Massimo d’Azeglio, Chiesa San Lorenzo, corso Massimo D’Azeglio, piazza Balla, via Palestro, via Arduino, piazza Maretta, via Guarnotta, Ponte Vecchio, via Gozzano, piazza Lamarmora, via C. Olivetti, via Di Vittorio, Railway Station, corso Nigra, corso Cavour, piazza di Città.
12.00 a.m.
Official Investiture of the Generale (General) 2023 in the Town Hall entrance hall in Piazza di Città.
2.00 p.m.
The Credendari greet the Magnificent Podestà before the Groups in Historical Costumes in piazza di Città. Ceremony of the Sale e Pane (Salt and Bread). The Procession of Historical Groups and the Credendari sets off for the Chapel of the Three Kings at Monte Stella.
2.40 p.m.
The Credendari and the Podestà arrive at the Chapel of the Three Kings.
3.30 p.m.
The Credendari and the Podestà with the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums band) leaves piazza Ottinetti and arrives at the Cathedral via Palestro, via Arduino, via IV Martiri (via Palma), via delle Torri, piazza Castello.
4.30 p.m.
Holy Mass in the Cathedral attended by city authorities, the 2023 Generale (General) and all the Historical Carnival groups, with the Ceremony of the Candles: the Magnificent Podestà, accompanied by his entourage and by the Credendari historical group give a votive candle to the Bishop of Ivrea to invoke the Madonna’s protection of the city (an ancient ceremony that took place in the Chapel of the Three Kings on Monte Stella, built around 1220 on St. Francis of Assisi’s advice).
9.15 a.m.
Fagiolate (Beanfeasts). Distribution of beans at Bellavista (piazza 1° Maggio) and San Giovanni (piazza Boves). The Generale (General), the Stato Maggiore (General Staff) and the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) band visit the Bean Feasts.
10.40 a.m.
The Libro dei Verbali (Protocol Book) is handed over in piazza Freguglia. The Grand Chancellor entrusts his Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) with the Protocol Book where all the Carnival events are to be recorded.
11.30 a.m.
Prise du Drapeau in Piazza di Città. An ancient ceremony in which the flag is handed over to the Ensign of the Stato Maggiore (General Staff) at the beginning of every campaign; parade of the Stato Maggiore (General Staff) and Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) Band.
2.30 p.m.
Alzata degli Abbà. The Carnival procession, preceded by the Ensign Officer, makes its way to the homes of the young priors of the San Grato, San Maurizio, Sant’Ulderico, San Lorenzo and San Salvatore parishes. The aide-de-camps lift up the Abbà from the balcony to show them to the crowd, while the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play and the Generale (General) salutes. The Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads the protocol and has it signed by the Abbà, their parents, the Generale (General) and the witnesses.
2.30 p.m.
Parish of San Grato
3.00 p.m.
Parish of San Maurizio
3.30 p.m.
Parish of Sant’Ulderico
4.00 p.m.
Parish of San Lorenzo
4.30 p.m.
Parish of San Salvatore
5.30 p.m.
Generala in piazza di Città. At the end of the parade the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play the Generala in honour of the Generale (General) in the Town Hall entrance hall.
9.00 a.m.
Fagiolate (Bean Feasts). Distribution of beans at Montenavale, Cuj dij Vigne (via Lago San Michele), Torre Balfredo (via Grandina) and Santissimi Pietro e Donato (via San Pietro Martire 11).
10.00 a.m.
Orange-throwing teams market in piazza Ottinetti .
10.30 a.m.
Parade of the orange-throwing carts through the town centre and presentation in piazza del Rondolino. The orange-throwing carts will be lining up in corso Massimo d’Azeglio from 9.30 a.m. then parading through the town centre streets to reach piazza del Rondolino for the official presentation.
12.00 p.m.
Peace-making ceremony of the inhabitants of the San Maurizio and Borghetto quarters on the Old Bridge. The delegate of the Ban of Croatia for Borghetto and the Consul Major for San Maurizio meet on the bridge, re-enacting pacification between the two quarters, which had traditionally been enemies. According to legend this came about thanks to their women in the late 1700s.
12.30 p.m.
Lunch of the Croatia in Borghetto. The peace-making is celebrated during the official banquet, at the end of which, after the protocol has been read, the Carnival Procession is formed to proceed with the second Alzata degli Abbà.
2.30 p.m.
Alzata degli Abbà. The Carnival procession, preceded by the Ensign Officer, makes its way to the homes of the young priors of the San Grato, San Maurizio, Sant’Ulderico, San Lorenzo and San Salvatore parishes. The aide-de-camps lift up the Abbà from the balcony to show them to the crowd, while the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play and the Generale (General) salutes. The Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads the protocol and has it signed by the Abbà, their parents, the Generale (General) and the witnesses.
2.30 p.m.
Parish of San Grato
3.00 p.m.
Parish of San Maurizio
3.30 p.m.
Parish of Sant’Ulderico
4.00 p.m.
Parish of San Lorenzo
4.30 p.m.
Parish of San Salvatore
5.30 p.m.
Generala in piazza di Città. At the end of the parade the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play the Generala in honour of the Generale (General) in the Town Hall entrance hall
9.00 a.m.
The Generale (General) visits the primary schools in Ivrea along with the Stato Maggiore (General’s Staff), the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) and the Ensigns.
2.00 p.m.
Passaggio dei Poteri (Handing over of power) in Piazza di Città. In the Town Hall, the Mayor symbolically passes his powers to the Generale (General), along with his red and white sash. The officers and the sutlers wear a similar sash around their necks, while the aide-de-camps have a red/blue sash.
The Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads the General’s decree.
Calzata del Berretto Frigio (Donning of the Phrygian hat)
In observance of the General’s instructions, the townspeople in the square are invited by the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) to put on their Phrygian hat, which from Sunday on will be essential to avoid being hit with oranges, gently or quite hard.
3.00 p.m.
Departure of the March. The Parade is headed by the Ensign Officer, the Ensigns with the Parish flags and the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums). They are followed on horseback by the Generale (General), the Stato Maggiore (General’s Staff) and the Sutlers, the Assistant Grand Chancellor and the Abbà. The procession follows corso Cavour, corso Nigra, Borghetto, piazza Maretta, via Arduino, via Palestro, corso Massimo d’Azeglio as far as the Church of San Lorenzo, then returns to the centre and to piazza Castello along via Palma and via delle Torri.
Cuj d’via Palma Bean Feast (via IV Martiri). After the General has passed, the so-called “faseuj grass” can be eaten and handed out.
3.00 p.m.
Children’s party in piazza Ottinetti
Games and entertainment for the traditional Children’s Party organised by the J’Amis ad Piassa d’la Granaja.
4.15 p.m.
Visit to the Bishop at Seminario Maggiore. The Historical Parade is received at the Bishop’s Palace where the Generale (General) presents the Officers and the Abbà to whom the Bishop offers a ritual gift. After the protocol has been read and stamped with the Bishop’s seal, the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play in honour of the Bishop.
5.15 p.m.
Visit to the Mayor in piazza di Città. The March continues down to the Town Hall, where the Mayor receives a gift from the young Priors and offers them ritual gifts in the Sala Dorata. The Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads the protocol that is signed and stamped by the Mayor.
5.30 p.m.
Generala in piazza di Città. At the end of the parade the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play the Generala in honour of the Generale (General) in the Town Hall entrance hall
6.00 p.m.
Visit of the Generale (General) and Stato Maggiore (General’s Staff) to the via Palma (via IV Martiri) Fagiolata (Beanfeast).
6.30 p.m.
Investiture of the Oditori ed Intendenti Generali delle Milizie e Genti da Guerra del Canavese in piazza di Città. In the Council Chamber the ceremony assigning awards to all those who have distinguished themselves in “Carnival things and everyday duties”: the insignia are conferred upon the new Oditori by the Generale (General) in the presence of the Mayor and the protocol is read.
8.15 a.m.
Visit of the Generale (General), the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) and the Stato Maggiore (General Staff) to the Military Authorities. The Assistant Gran Chancellor records the protocol for each visit.
12.00 a.m.
Presentation of the Scorta d’Onore della Mugnaia (Miller’s daughter’s Escort of Honour) to the Generale (General’s) in piazza di Città.
9.00 p.m.
Presentation of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (Charming Miller’s daughter) from the Town Hall balcony. The Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) in her traditional white dress goes from the Mayor’s office to the Sala Dorata where the General’s gift, a brooch with a pick and spade on a red rosette, is pinned onto her green sash. She is introduced to the Assistant Grand Chancellor by the aide-de-camp assigned to her, in turn the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) introduces the Generale (General) and all the other Carnival characters.
As the big bell strikes, the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads out the proclamation, at which the Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) appears on the central balcony of the Town Hall to receive the city’s embrace.
9.30 p.m.
March of the Historical Parade and Parade of the Orange-throwing teams in Lungo Dora in honour of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (Charming Miller’s daughter). On the Generale (General’s) arm, the Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) takes her place in the procession made up of the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums), the Band, Ensigns with bouquets, the Scorta d’Onore (Escort of Honour), Maids, Pageboys, the Miller (Toniotto) accompanied by the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor), Officers and Sutlers of the Stato Maggiore (Officers of the General Staff), the Podestà and his entourage, the Abbà escorted by the Credendari, university students and orange-throwers of the two teams on foot that formed the guard of honour for the Mugnaia as she left the Town Hall.
The procession crosses the city as orange-throwers of the other teams on foot line up along the riverside with all the townspeople to pay their homage. The route follows piazza di Città, via Arduino, piazza Maretta, via Guarnotta, Ponte Vecchio, via Gozzano, piazza Lamarmora, corso Nigra, corso Cavour, corso Gallo, corso Botta, piazza Balla, via Palestro, via Macchieraldo, via Varmondo Arborio, P.zza Castello, vicolo delle Torri, via Palma, via Arduino, piazza di Città.
10.30 p.m.
Firework on Lungo Dora in honour of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (Charming Miller’s daughter).
11.00 p.m.
Dance in Piazza di Città (Piazza Ferruccio Nazionale square).
Admission fee
9.00 a.m.
Fagiolate rionali (Bean Feasts). Distribution of beans at Castellazzo (piazza Maretta), San Lorenzo (Ex Polveriera), via Dora Baltea and San Bernardo (piazza della Chiesa).
9.30 a.m.
The magnificent Podestà swears his oath of Loyalty in piazza Castello. The Podestà, with his followers and the Credendari, walks up via della Cattedrale to piazza Castello, to swear his oath of loyalty to the statutes before the site of the old Town Hall in the presence of the Carnival Procession.
10.00 a.m.
The Mugnaia (Miller’s daughter), the Generale (General) and their entourage visit the Castellazzo Charity Beanfeast in piazza Maretta. After the ritual bean-tasting, they begin distributing free portions of beans.
Parade of the historical guest groups.
10.30 a.m.
Preda in Dora on the Ponte Vecchio – The Podestà digs out the stone for the Preda in Dora from the ruins of the Castellazzo with his ancient war hammer. The Podestà with his retinue and the Credendari, accompanied by the Alfieri (Ensigns) and Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums), turning his back to the parapet of the bridge throws the stone taken from the Castellazzo behind him downstream, while proclaiming the words “Hoc facimus in spretum olim Marchionis Montisferrati, nec permittemus aliquod aedificium fieri ubi erant turres domini Marchionis“ (we do this in contempt of the Marquis of Monferrato, nor will we allow any building to arise where the Marquis’ towers once stood), to show his rejection of any form of tyranny. The Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) with the Generale (General), the Stato Maggiore (Officers of the General Staff) and the Scorta d’Onore della Mugnaia (Miller’s daughter’s Escort of Honour) watch the ceremony from the right bank of the river.
1.00 p.m.
Grouping of orange-throwing carts in Corso M. d’Azeglio for inspections.
The Foundation Veterinarian checks all the documentation concerning the horses, their state of health and that they are correctly shoed. The carts are then examined to ensure they have all the appropriate documentation “aboard” (static testing, drivers’ licences and horses’ health certificates) and that they comply with the regulations (safety and measurements of the cart, and breathalyser test on drivers by the competent authorities. After the checks have been completed, the carts proceed to the various town squares, waiting for the battle to begin.
2.00 p.m.
Beginning of the Historical Carnival Procession from piazza di Città and Historic Guest Groups Parade. The Alfieri (Ensigns) with the Parish flags, the Pipes and Drums, the Generale (General) with the Stato Maggiore (Officers of the General Staff) the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) and the Abbà (Priors of the five parishes) on horseback, the Band, the Mugnaia (Miller’s daughter) with her maids on the golden coach drawn by three white horses, her Scorta d’Onore della Mugnaia (Miller’s daughter’s Escort of Honour), pageboys on ponies, the Miller (Toniotto) on the supplies cart, the Podestà on a cart with the Credendari on horseback, the historical guest groups, parade along the gala route: piazza di Città, via Arduino, piazza Maretta, via Guarnotta, Ponte Vecchio, via Gozzano, piazza Lamarmora, corso Nigra, corso Cavour, corso Re Umberto, corso Gallo, corso Botta, piazza Balla, corso Massimo d’Azeglio, via IV Reggimento Alpini, via Cascinette, corso Massimo d’Azeglio, piazza Balla, via Palestro, piazza di Città
Battaglia delle arance (Battle of the Oranges)
The nine teams throwing on foot start the orange battle against the teams on carts drawn by two or four horses, following two different routes: the inner route (piazza Ottinetti and piazza di Città) and the outer one (Borghetto, piazza del Rondolino passing along Lungo Dora and piazza Freguglia).
5.30 p.m.
Generala in piazza di Città. At the end of the parade the Pipes and Drums play the Generala in honour of the Generale (General) in the Town Hall entrance hall.
09.30 a.m.
Zappate degli Scarli (Digging of the Scarli)
09.30 a.m. Parish of San Maurizio
10.00 a.m. Parish of Sant’Ulderico
10.30 a.m. Parish of San Lorenzo
11.00 Parish of San Salvatore
11.30 Parish of San Grato
The Generale (General), preceded by the Alfieri (Ensigns) and Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) and escorted by the Stato Maggiore (Officers of the General Staff), accompanies a couple from each Parish married during the year to the place where the Scarlo is to be built. Standing on a drum-shaped stool, the Sostituto Gran Cancelliere (Assistant Grand Chancellor) reads out the ceremonial protocol and, using the pick and spade, the newly-weds each strike a blow on the spot chosen for the Scarlo, while all those present recite in chorus As pianta ‘l pic a l’uso antic..
1.00 p.m.
Grouping of orange-throwing carts in Corso M. d’Azeglio for inspections. The Foundation Veterinarian checks all the documentation concerning the horses, their state of health and that they are correctly shoed. The carts are then examined to ensure they have all the appropriate documentation “aboard” (static testing, drivers’ licences and horses’ health certificates) and that they comply with the regulations (safety and measurements of the cart, and breathalyser test on drivers by the competent authorities. After the checks have been completed, the carts proceed to the various town squares, waiting for the battle to begin.
2.15 p.m.
The Carnival Procession walks to visit the Orange-throwing teams: Tuchini del Borghetto, Mercenari, Diavoli, Pantere, Credendari, Scacchi, Arduini, Asso di Picche and Morte.
Battaglia delle arance (Battle of the Oranges)
The nine teams throwing on foot start the orange battle against the teams on carts drawn by two or four horses, following a single route (piazza Ottinetti, piazza di Città, Borghetto, piazza del Rondolino and piazza Freguglia).
5.30 p.m.
Generala in piazza di Città. At the end of the parade the Pipes and Drums play the Generala in honour of the General in the Town Hall entrance hall
1.00 p.m.
Grouping of orange-throwing carts in Corso M. d’Azeglio for inspections.
The Foundation Veterinarian checks all the documentation concerning the horses, their state of health and that they are correctly shoed. The carts are then examined to ensure they have all the appropriate documentation “aboard” (static testing, drivers’ licences and horses’ health certificates) and that they comply with the regulations (safety and measurements of the cart, and breathalyser test on drivers by the competent authorities. After the checks have been completed, the carts proceed to the various town squares, waiting for the battle to begin.
2.00 p.m.
Start of the Carnival Procession through piazza di Città, via Arduino, piazza Maretta, via Guarnotta, Ponte Vecchio, via Gozzano, piazza Lamarmora, corso Nigra, corso Cavour, corso Re Umberto, corso Gallo, corso Botta, piazza Balla, corso Massimo d’Azeglio, via IV Reggimento Alpini, via Cascinette, corso Massimo d’Azeglio, piazza Balla, via Palestro, piazza di Città.
Battaglia delle arance (Battle of the Oranges)
5.45 p.m.
Prize-giving ceremony for the orange-throwers and carts in piazza di Città.
8.00 p.m.
The Carnival Procession sets off for burning of the Scarli in San Maurizio, Sant’Ulderico and San Lorenzo parishes. The Abbà ride to the square holding up a lantern, preceded by the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) and accompanied by the Generale (General) and the Stato Maggiore (General Staff). The two Abbà (Priors of the five parishes) of that Parish dismount and walk once around the Scarlo. Holding them by the hand an escorting officer passes them a burning torch to set fire to the Scarlo.
9.30 p.m.
Burning of the Scarlo in San Salvatore Parish in the presence of the Vezzosa Mugnaia (Charming Miller’s daughter) in piazza di Città. The Mugnaia (Miller’s Daughter) stands up in her golden coach and, when the Abbà (Priors of the five parishes) set fire to the Scarlo, raises her sword symbolising freedom from the tyrant, holding it up high until the Italian flag at the top of the Scarlo has been completely burnt. In the meantime, the Generale (General) gives a military salute, standing up in his stirrups. The faster the flames leap up the pole, the louder the crowd shout a brusa!.. a brusa! (it’s burning, it’s burning) as a good omen for the year that has just begun.
10.15 p.m.
Burning of the last Scarlo, San Grato Parish in piazza Lamarmora.
Marcia funebre (Funeral March). After the flames of last Scarlo have died down, the Generale (General) dismounts and, leading his horse by the bridle, heads the Marcia funebre (Funeral March) during which the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) play a lament for the funeral of the carnival, while the officers drag their sabres along the paving stones. The townspeople follow the cortège in strictest silence, in the last few minutes for them to wear their Phrygian Hats.
Arvédze a giòbia ‘n bot in piazza Ottinetti. The Marcia funebre (Funeral March) comes to a halt in piazza Ottinetti where the Generale (General) dismisses the Pifferi e Tamburi (Pipes and Drums) and thanks them symbolically, in memory of the times when he paid them for the campaign. Everyone exchanges the traditional goodbye Arvédze a giòbia ‘n bot (see you on Thursday at one o’clock). Arm in arm, the General and his staff run to the Town Hall singing the Carnival Anthem.
11.00 p.m.
Closing ceremony in Piazza di Città.
In the Town Hall, the Generale (General) inspects the Stato Maggiore (Officers of the General Staff) and pins the Campaign insignia on his aide-de-camps’ chests. He lays down his symbols of power and the Assistant Grand Chancellor reads the closure protocol.
11.00 a.m.
Traditional serving of polenta and salt cod organised by the Croatia Polenta e Merluzzo (Polenta and Cod) Committee in Piazza Lamarmora. Vouchers are on sale at the Croatia Committee office (Vicolo del Forno 6) and directly in piazza Lamarmora until they are sold out.
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