Easter in Florence

At Easter time it is interesting look at how different countries and cultures celebrate the same Christian holidays.

Whilst there are some truely amazing celebrations for the Religious holiday, special mention goes to the Explosion of the Cart, or Scoppio Del Carro, celebrations in Florence.

Explosion of the Cart

Every year an elaborate wagon built in 1622 and standing nine metres tall is pulled by a pair of oxen decorated in garlands through the streets of Florence to the square between the Baptistry and Cathedral.

Starting around 10am, a priest rubs three flints together until they spark and light the Easter candle; this is also used to light some coals which are placed in a container on the Cart and the procession delivers the Holy Fire to the Archbishop of Florence. The cart is accompanied by drummers, flag throwers and figures dressed in historical costume as well as city officials.

The Cart then waits in front of the cathedral, at 11am while the choir sing 'Gloria' inside the church, the Archbishop uses the fire to light a dove–shaped rocket (symbolising the Holy Spirit) and this in turns flies out down a wire to the outside of the church and collides with the Cart in the square, setting off a spectacular firework display to the cheers of all, the Explosion of the Cart ensues!

If the complex ritual proceeds smoothly and all of the fireworks go off, good luck is ensured for a good harvest for this year as well as for the city and its citizens – so we hope for a wonderful explosion of the cart every Easter!

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