Alex Masi

The Miller, and the General, another important character in the historical Carnival are making their way through the streets of Ivrea covered in confetti during the night parade marking the end of the first day of celebrations in Ivrea, pop. 30.000. During the days of the Carnival, the town becomes crammed with tourists coming to witness the event which finds its roots at the end of the XII Century, when the people led an insurrection against the local tyrant, Count Ranieri of Biandrate, who was exercising the 'jus primae noctis' rule (having the first night) on the local young brides. The battle to overthrow him is represented with a 3-day-fight between factions in which more then 400 tonnes of oranges are thrown. During the celebrations, food stalls, bands playing music, and parades are also present, giving it a typical Medieval atmosphere.