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Andrea Capello
Once a year, in the run-up to Shrove Tuesday, the citizens of the old medieval town of Ivrea, in Italy, gather in the main square to hurl oranges at each other.
As the town prepares to celebrate once more, we look at the pictures by photographer Andrea Capello who documented the event last year.
The origin of the so-called Battle of the Oranges dates back to medieval times and is said to commemorate the day the townsfolk were liberated from the harsh rule of an evil duke.
The legend goes that the miller’s daughter, Violetta, cut off the duke’s head when he tried to claim his right to sleep with young brides on their wedding night. This led the town to rise up and burn down the duke’s castle.
The battle represents the struggle between the supporters of the duke and those of Violetta.
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Andrea Capello
The band of pipers and drummers leads the parades through the square.
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Andrea Capello
Each year, a married woman is chosen to play the part of Violetta.
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Andrea Capello
The Battle of the Oranges is fought for three days leading up to Shrove Tuesday.
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Andrea Capello
The throwers on carts head into the town square, battling against those on foot.
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ANDREA CAPELLO
A member of the orange-thrower team of Tuchini del Borghetto shows passion and dedication to the cause.
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Andrea Capello
It’s a messy business with hits celebrated on both sides.
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Andrea Capello
But after the battle there is a chance for those on both sides to enjoy tales of the fight.
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Andrea Capello
There are injuries.
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Andrea Capello
Some are bloody but unbowed.
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Andrea Capello
More than 700 tonnes of oranges are used during the battle.
Image copyright
Andrea Capello
After the battle, everything is collected and taken to a recycling centre.
All photographs courtesy Andrea Capello.