IVREA – The 2025 edition of the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea concluded with extraordinary success, leaving behind a legacy of sustainability and community spirit that was felt throughout the event. Known for its unique and vibrant traditions, the Carnevale celebrates its storied history in an atmosphere of festive revelry, culminating in the spectacular three-day battle of oranges, a highlight of the proceedings.
Preparation for this year's carnival kicked off on January 6, leading to a crescendo of excitement as various events unfolded, engaging both locals and tourists alike. The collaboration among key stakeholders was a vital component of the event's success: the Municipality of Ivrea, the Fondazione dello Storico Carnevale di Ivrea, and the Società Canavesana Servizi (SCS) worked in concert to ensure efficient organization.
Mayor Matteo Chiantore emphasized the importance of local alliances, stating, "In a context where local collaboration is essential for the sustainable growth of territories, the partnership among the Municipality, the Foundation, and SCS stands out as an effective governance model for enhancing the resources of the city." His sentiments resonate with many who recognize the significance of community engagement in fostering an enriching experience.
The President of the Fondazione, Alberto Alma, echoed this sentiment, noting, "The extraordinary work done by SCS demonstrates how an event of this magnitude can be effectively managed, ensuring order and respect for the environment while preserving its cultural and identity value." This emphasis on culture combined with an environmental ethos underscores the carnival's commitment to both tradition and innovation.
In an ambitious move towards sustainability, the organizers adopted a reduction policy on environmental impact, incorporating certified recycled paper and biodegradable dishware. They also introduced the 'bicchiere del Carnevale,' a reusable cup aimed at further diminishing waste. Altogether, the event saw the positioning of 181 containers across various locations to facilitate selective waste collection, encompassing glass, paper, plastics, metals, organic materials, and non-recyclables.
The commitment to managing waste was evident during the event, as 68 operators worked tirelessly for an impressive total of over 1,100 hours, collecting and transporting oranges and wooden boxes used throughout the festivities. Their efforts were supported by 13 waste collection vehicles, five compactors, seven trucks, six street sweepers, and nine tractors, effectively maintaining cleanliness and order.
The results were remarkable: collected oranges increased by 16,000 kg compared to 2024, culminating in a total of 731,000 kg of oranges, which were transported in 27 trips to recycling and recovery plants. Simultaneously, the wooden boxes used during the carnival, which will be transformed into products like shelves and panels, saw a 23% increase in volume, from 77,000 kg to 95,000 kg.
Andrea Grigolon, the director of SCS, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, "Every year, we are amazed at how efficiently the city can be cleaned and organized within such a tight schedule." This remark underscores the significant effort each participant puts forth to create a seamless carnival experience.
The circular economy model was effectively put into practice, with the wooden boxes being recycled at the Grugliasco plant. With the boxes appropriately processed and turned into secondary raw materials for building items, this initiative stands as a hallmark of sustainable practice and community responsibility.
This edition of the carnival is uniquely notable not only for its logistical achievements and increased waste figures but also for its role as a model of cooperation among various stakeholders. The collaboration among community members, volunteers, and local authorities has proven essential in this endeavor, showcasing the cultural resilience and unwavering spirit of Ivrea in celebrating its beloved Carnevale.
Ultimately, this dedication to sustainability and local engagement cements the Storico Carnevale di Ivrea's status as one of Italy's premier events, one that continues to evolve while respecting its rich past. Looking forward, the collective will strive to enhance its environmental initiatives and community involvement, reinforcing the carnival’s mission of being both an entertainment hub and a steward of sustainable practices.
In conclusion, the 2025 Storico Carnevale di Ivrea has set a remarkable standard, demonstrating that it's possible to combine festivity with meaningful community responsibility. As the event wraps up, all those involved can take pride in the achievements of this year, hoping to inspire similar approaches in future endeavors both locally and beyond.
