Hôtel Ristorante Crabun

Festivals

Ivrea

Battle of the Oranges

The ‘Battle of the Oranges’ takes place in February each year in the town of Ivrea. It is a festive three-day carnival, which culminates with an orange throwing competition. Over 3000 people take part in this spectacular event and have been doing so for many years. There are nine teams who take their places in designated squares around the town, where truckloads of often frozen oranges are launched at opposing teams. The carnival provides an incredible atmosphere and unique entertainment.

San Savino (Horse Festival)

Another of Ivrea's unique festivals takes place on the first weekend every year in July. The festival is held in honour of San Savino and in celebration of the Horse.
San Savino is the patron saint of Ivrea and during his time, the town, originally named Eporedia (meaning horse-carriage, derived from the Greek word epo, meaning horse and in old welsh reda, meaning carriage) was a strategic passage for both the Romans and locals to pass through, using a horse and carriage. Therefore the memory of San Savino and the horses are closely linked and are blessed each year for their important role in Eporedia, which has been said to have existed as one of the Roman Empire’s colonies from as early as 100 BC.

Over night this quaint little town is transformed into a Mecca for all equines. Ivrea and its neighbouring towns are dotted with posters advertising the event, while almost every shop does their bit by advertising with horse shaped cakes and special breads baked especially for the festival. On the weekend of the festival, horse-drawn carriages take to the streets, whilst dozens of horses of all tyes occupy the main park and piazza in preparation for the showing classes which take place over the weekend.

Aosta Valley

Gignod Carnival

Just above Aosta, in the Grand Saint Bernard Valley, an annual carnival takes place in Gignod. The people of the villages and surrounding areas, dress in constumes known as 'Lanzetta' which were inspired by the uniforms worn by Napolean's soldiers. As part of the dress, the poeple wear traditionally decorated hats as well as lucky charms (large cow-bells) attached to their belts and carry whips said to ward off evils spirits. The carnival procession includes various musical bands and folk dancing as it winds it way through the streets.
The 'Feta du Teteun' is a famous food festival held in Gignod. Lo Teteun is their traditional, rural dish made with the cured udder of a cow. Festival has taken place in August every year since 1976. Other local specialities are on display and can be tasted by all. These include Fontina cheese, rye bread, sausage and local wines. The festival begins with an evening of entertainment held in honour of the tourists stayings in the area, followed by dancing and eating for the rest of the festival.
Generally, Aosta is also wellknown for its many jazz festivals held in the main square and accompanied by good atmosphere and food.

Carnival of Pont-Saint-Martin

Pont-St-Martin is also famous for its week-long carnival held at the end of Febraury every year. The carnival is a long standing tradition which has been occuring since 1902. It is seen not only as a festive period but more importantly as a time for the community to meet and celebrate together. The entire carnival plays out the folk story behind the origin of the Saint Martin's bridge from which the village derives its name from. According to the old legend the bridge was built by the devil, whom Saint Martin had previously betrayed and to remember this, at the end of the carnival a life-sized doll of the devil is hung from the bridge and burnt by an archer’s arrow. This inturn signals the beginning of a 30 minute firework display to music and of course the end of the carnival. Throughout the course of the carnival, live bands, horse-drawn carriages and locals dressed in traditional costumes, take to the streets and celebrate the town's traditions with good food and lively company.

Bataille de Reines - battle of the queens

This event is one of the most traditional throughout Aosta Valley. Two at a time, the strongest cows of various herds in the valley, battle it out in a wrestling type fight, until the first cow retreats. The one standing its ground is the winner, or rather the queen of the battle.
The battles are held throughout the year and is considered quite a victory by locals whose cows win, as it signifies the strength and quality of the rest of their herd.

Gressoney Valley

Beer festival

Every year in July, Gressoney St Jean hosts a large beer festival. It celebrates its German influenced beer by setting up a marquee for visitors to enjoy the local beer, music and other entertainment.

Piemont - Asti

The Palio

Similar to the palio in Sienna, Asti has an annual bareback horse-race in the town's main square. Thousands of people descend of the town, not only to witness the exciting race, but also to take part in the town's feast.
Dozens of tables are laid out with the regions traditional dishes as well as various arts and crafts are on display. The Palio of Asti is a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture and atmosphere of the local people and to enjoy unique entertainment and the heart of Piemont cuisine.