Easter in Florence is a special time of celebration and tradition. One of the most anticipated events is the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), a historic ceremony that has been held for centuries. The event attracts both locals and visitors with its vibrant display of fire and faith.
A Tradition of Fire and Faith
On Easter Sunday, the celebration begins in the morning as the Brindellone, a large, decorated cart loaded with fireworks, makes its way from Piazzale del Prato to Piazza del Duomo (pictured above). The cart is pulled by two pairs of decorated white oxen and escorted by a grand procession of 150 armed guards, musicians, and flag bearers dressed in historic Florentine costumes.
An Easter Mass is held inside the Duomo, and during this, the highlight of the ceremony begins. As the choir sings Gloria in Excelsis Deo, a mechanical dove, called the colombina, flies through the church, lighting the fuse that sets off an amazing firework display on the cart. If everything goes smoothly and the fireworks ignite successfully, it’s believed to be a sign of good fortune and a prosperous harvest season ahead. However, if the colombina fails to complete its journey, it is considered bad luck. Florentines can still recall the last failure, which happened in 1966, the year of the devastating flood.
Learn more about The Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome
The History
This tradition goes all the way back to the First Crusade when Florentine nobleman, Pazzino de’ Pazzi, returned home from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where he was rewarded three stone fragments. These sacred stones were used to create the holy fire, which was then shared among Florentine households as a symbol of renewal and resurrection. Originally, the fire was only distributed into Florentine households, but over time, the Pazzi family built the grand cart (Brindellone) to spread the blessed fire throughout the city.
The Brindellone itself has a unique history. The word “brindellone” refers to someone tall and unsteady, a correlation to the cart’s towering structure and the way it sways as it moves through the streets. Over the years, the event has grown into a grand festival, with thousands of locals and tourists gathering to witness the explosion of the cart and soak in the vibrant energy of Florence on Easter Day.
Today, this one-of-a-kind event remains one of Florence’s most beloved traditions, bringing together faith, history, and celebration in an unforgettable way. If you are in Florence for Easter, be sure to experience the Scoppio del Carro!
Luckily, the Scoppio de Carro in 2025 went perfectly well, predicting good fortune for the city this year!
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Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Florence
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