February • Cultural Insight

Battle of the Oranges

The messiest revolution in Italy. In the town of Ivrea, thousands of people throw tons of oranges at each other to commemorate a medieval revolt against a tyrant. This lesson covers the catharsis of public mess and the ethics of food waste.

Speaking Discussion

Is throwing food for fun wrong when millions of people are hungry?
Why is physical chaos such a common way for humans to celebrate political freedom?
Would you join the revolutionaries on the ground or the tyrants on the horse-drawn carts?
What is the orange in your life—the small thing you can use to fight against a big problem?
Does a festival need a messy element to be truly memorable?

Activity 1: The Food Ethicist

The Task: Argue in 3 sentences why the battle of the oranges should be banned. Focus on waste and global hunger.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Is fun more important than logic in human culture?

Key Vocabulary

Catharsis (N) The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.
Tyrant (N) A cruel and oppressive ruler.
Revolt (N) An attempt to put an end to the authority of a person or body by rebelling.
Medieval (Adj) Relating to the Middle Ages.
Commemorate (V) Recall and show respect for (someone or something).

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To throw a curveball."

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