Ecuador is the seat of government for the Galapagos Islands. One of the most important events throughout the year in Ecuador is Carnivale, which falls between Feb. 3 and March 9. It starts on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. It’s a big party, where people eat and dance and just generally have fun. There is music, food and the sharing of culture. Some people make elaborate masks and then parade throughout the city.
The Battle of the Oranges
If you happen to be in Ivrea, Italy, March 6-9, you may want to keep clear of the Battle of the Oranges. This is an annual observance of the town’s revolt against an unjust ruler known as the Carnevale di Ivrea.
Each year, the tiny town in northern Italy gathers up more than 500,000 kilograms (around two tons) of fresh oranges and refight the Battaglia delle Arance or the Battle of the Oranges. Teams wage full-on fruit war, which is watched by more than 100,000 people.
There are designated teams — nine of them — which represent the different sides of the battle. Spectators stand on the sidelines wearing red hats. If they decide they want to join the battle, they take off their hats and start throwing oranges!
