(REUTERS) - Ivrea, Italy is taking a food fight to another level. And watch out not to wear white in what has become a celebration of Carnival.

Hundreds are turning out donning mediaeval outfits to re-enact the historic "Battle of the Oranges".

Getting past the pain of being pelted by oranges takes more than just physical stamina -- it's all mental, says Matteo Bortolozzo.

"What it takes, even if the others might disagree, is will-power, especially with this weather, you need a lot of it."

The legend goes that in the 12th century, the daughter of a local miller stood up to the town's crooked lord. She cut off his head, and set the town free.

Revelers split into commoners and noblemen have at it -- and the oranges represent the tyrant's head.

Some 500 tones of oranges are shipped from Sicily just for the event. That's quite a few heads.