Florence’s Explosion of the Cart returns on Easter Sunday 2026

Florence will mark Easter Sunday on 5 April 2026 with the return of the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart), one of the city’s oldest and most distinctive public traditions. The event, rooted in medieval history and still widely followed by residents and visitors, will be preceded by ceremonies and processions on Saturday evening.

A ritual dating back more than nine centuries

The tradition is linked to the First Crusade and to the figure of Pazzino de’ Pazzi, a Florentine nobleman who, according to historical accounts, returned to the city in 1101 carrying flints from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. These stones were used to light the Easter fire, symbolising renewal and blessing for the city.

Over time, the ceremony evolved into a public event centred on a large ceremonial cart, known as the Brindellone. The current structure dates back to the 17th century. Each year, it is pulled by decorated oxen from a storage site near Porta al Prato to Piazza del Duomo, escorted by the Historical Parade of the Florentine Republic.

The highlight of the celebration takes place during Easter Mass, when a mechanical dove ignites fireworks on the cart. Traditionally, a successful “flight” is considered a sign of good fortune for the year ahead.

Saturday evening: fire and procession in the historic centre

The first part of the ceremony will take place on Saturday, 4 April, starting at 8 p.m. A reduced version of the historical parade will move from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa through the city centre to the Church of Santi Apostoli and Biagio.

Here, a religious ceremony will be held, during which the sacred fire is prepared using the historic flints. The procession will then continue to Piazza del Duomo, where the fire will be lit on the cathedral square at around 9 p.m., marking the beginning of the Easter vigil.

Easter Sunday: parade, mass and the explosion

On Sunday morning, 5 April, preparations begin early. The oxen that pull the cart will depart from the Cascine park shortly after 6 a.m., while the Brindellone itself will leave its depot in Via il Prato at 7:45 a.m.

The procession will cross the historic centre — passing through streets such as Borgo Ognissanti, Via Strozzi and Piazza della Repubblica — before arriving in Piazza del Duomo at around 9:30 a.m. 

In the meantime, flag-throwers known as the Bandierai degli Uffizi will perform in the square, and the draw for the traditional Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament will take place shortly before the main ceremony.

The Easter Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. on the cathedral forecourt. At 11 a.m., the central moment of the event takes place: the mechanical dove travels along a wire from inside the cathedral to the cart outside, triggering a large fireworks display.

A civic and religious event

The ceremony combines religious symbolism with civic identity. Local authorities, including the mayor and city officials, are expected to attend alongside church representatives and members of the historical parade.

The event will also be broadcast live from 8:45 a.m. on Toscana TV (channel 11 on digital terrestrial television), allowing those unable to attend in person to follow the celebration.

Practical information

• Dates: Saturday 4 April (evening ceremonies) and Sunday 5 April 2026 (main event)
• Main location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence
• Key moment: Fireworks display (Scoppio del Carro) at 11 a.m. on Easter Sunday
• Access: Free, but large crowds are expected in the historic centre
• Broadcast: Live on Toscana TV from 8:45 a.m.

Residents and visitors should expect road closures and restricted access in parts of the historic centre throughout the morning, particularly along the procession route and around Piazza del Duomo.

(Cover photo: David Duran via Flickr)

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