Battle of the Oranges

Lesson overview

In this news-based lesson, students discover one of Italy’s most unusual carnival traditions, where thousands of people throw oranges at each other in the streets of a small medieval town. The lesson tells a story behind the battle, including the legend of Violetta, a miller’s daughter who stood up to a cruel ruler and sparked a revolt that the town still celebrates today. Students explore how a piece of local history became a massive annual event that draws 100,000 visitors every year. Along the way, they pick up vocabulary around culture, tradition, and community, and get plenty to talk about when it comes to why people hold onto old stories and celebrations.

If your students liked the story behind the orange battle, our B2 lesson Myths About the Middle Ages is a great follow-up. It takes a closer look at what people get wrong about medieval life and history.