What is the Scoppio del Carro?
Florence celebrates Easter with an explosion. On Easter Sunday morning, a towering wooden cart, three storeys high, decorated and loaded with fireworks, is pulled through the streets by a team of white oxen dressed in garlands to the square between the cathedral and the baptistery. There, during the Easter Mass, the cart is set off in a blaze of fireworks, smoke and noise: the Scoppio del Carro, the "explosion of the cart".
The tradition is tied to the First Crusade. According to Florentine tradition, a young nobleman, Pazzino de' Pazzi, was among the first to climb the walls of Jerusalem in 1099, and as a reward he was given flints from the Holy Sepulchre, the tomb of Christ. He brought them back to Florence, where they were used to light a holy fire on Easter Saturday. Over the centuries the custom grew into the present ceremony, which had taken its modern form by the end of the 15th century. The flints are still kept in the church of Santi Apostoli and are still used to light the Easter fire.
The cart itself, nicknamed the Brindellone, dates from the 17th century. Its fuse is lit by the Colombina, a dove-shaped rocket representing the Holy Spirit. At about 11am, as the Gloria is sung inside the cathedral, the Archbishop lights the Colombina at the altar, and it shoots out of the cathedral's great doors along a wire to the cart. When it hits, the fireworks begin, and the dove flies back to the altar. If all goes well, Florentines say, the city will have a good year and a good harvest.
The ceremony is accompanied by a parade of drummers, flag-wavers and soldiers in Renaissance costume, making it one of the most colourful Easter celebrations in Italy.
What to expect
The whole celebration takes place on Easter Sunday morning, building to the explosion at about 11am.
Early morning
The cart sets out
The Brindellone is pulled by oxen from its storehouse through the streets of the centre towards the cathedral, accompanied by a parade of musicians and costumed figures.
Late morning
The square fills
The cart is placed between the cathedral and the baptistery, the oxen are led away, and the square fills with spectators, flag-wavers and drummers as the Easter Mass begins.
About 11am
The explosion
During the Gloria, the Colombina flies from the altar to the cart, setting off several minutes of fireworks, bangs and smoke, before the dove returns inside.
The Brindellone in Piazza del Duomo on Easter morning
Photo by mirco.81 / flickr · CC BY 2.0
Planning your trip
Getting there
Florence's small airport has flights from across Europe, and Pisa and Bologna airports are within an hour by train or bus. Santa Maria Novella station has fast trains from Rome, Milan and Venice. The Piazza del Duomo is a ten-minute walk from the station.
Where to stay
Anywhere in the historic centre is within walking distance of the cathedral. Easter is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Florence, so book rooms early, or stay in the quieter neighbourhoods across the Arno, such as Oltrarno.
What it costs
The Scoppio del Carro is free. Florence is expensive, especially at Easter, with high room prices and busy restaurants. Museums such as the Uffizi are open over Easter but should be booked ahead.
Go like you know
- Visit the church of Santi Apostoli, where the flints from the Holy Sepulchre are kept.
- Book lunch for after the ceremony; Easter Sunday lunch is a big family occasion in Italy, and restaurants fill fast.
- Climb the cathedral dome or Giotto's bell tower on another day for views over the square.
- Florence's Calcio Storico, in June, is the city's other great historic tradition.
- For another Italian procession with an ox-drawn cart, see Cagliari's Festa di Sant'Efisio, on May 1.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Scoppio del Carro?
Every year on Easter Sunday, at about 11am. The date follows Easter: in 2026 it was April 5, and in 2027 Easter Sunday falls on March 28. The cart's parade through the streets starts earlier in the morning, so arrive early.
What is the Colombina?
The Colombina is a small rocket shaped like a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. It is lit at the cathedral's altar and flies along a wire to the cart, setting off the fireworks, then returns. Its smooth flight is traditionally seen as an omen of a good year for Florence.
Is it safe to watch?
Yes, with care. The fireworks are set off in a controlled space, and the area closest to the cart is fenced off. The crowd is dense and the noise is very loud, so it may be overwhelming for small children. Follow the stewards' instructions and keep your distance from the cart.
