This Easter, Florence once again celebrates one of its most beloved and spectacular traditions: Lo Scoppio del Carro – the Explosion of the Cart. The historical event, rooted in the Crusades, will take place over two days, Saturday, April 19 and Easter Sunday, April 20.
A Tradition Born in the Crusades
The origins of Lo Scoppio del Carro date back to 1101, when Florentine knights returned from the First Crusade. Among them was Pazzino de’ Pazzi, who, according to tradition, brought back three flints from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. These sacred stones were used to light the Easter fire, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ.
Over time, the ritual evolved. A triumphal cart – today known as the Brindellone – was built to carry the holy fire through the city. Since the 17th century, this towering wooden structure has been escorted from its storage in Via Il Prato to the front of Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore by oxen adorned for the occasion, accompanied by costumed guards of the Florentine Republic.
The Schedule
The event unfolds in two parts:
Saturday, April 19 – The Fire Ceremony
- 8:00 PM – A delegation of the Florentine Republic’s Historical Procession departs from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa.
- 8:10 PM – In Piazza della Signoria, the Mayor joins the procession with the city’s Gonfalone.
- 8:30 PM – The group enters the Church of Santi Apostoli e Biagio for a prayer ceremony and receives the flints of the Holy Sepulchre.
- 8:55 PM – Arrival at the Cathedral’s front steps. The historical procession lines up at the main portal.
- 9:00 PM – The Easter Vigil begins with the lighting of the fire.
Sunday, April 20 – Easter Sunday and the Explosion of the Cart
- 6:15 AM – The oxen depart from Le Cascine park.
- 7:30 AM – The Brindellone, escorted by the Historical Procession, begins its journey to Piazza Duomo.
- 8:10 AM – Flag throwers from the Uffizi perform in Piazza Duomo.
- 8:50 AM – The Mayor and city officials join the procession from Piazza della Signoria.
- 9:30 AM – The Brindellone arrives in Piazza Duomo.
- 9:45 AM – The draw for the traditional Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament matchups.
- 10:30 AM – Easter Mass begins with the blessing of the Cart and the faithful.
- 11:00 AM – The climax: the dove-shaped rocket (colombina) lights the cart’s fireworks in a dazzling explosion.
- 12:30 PM – The fire carriers return the flints to the Church of Santi Apostoli.
A Moment of Civic Spirit and Spiritual Celebration
Beyond its visual spectacle, Lo Scoppio del Carro is deeply symbolic for Florentines. The smooth ignition of the cart’s fireworks is seen as a good omen for the year to come – a sign of peace, prosperity, and unity.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this centuries-old celebration offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into Florence’s living heritage.