Scoppio del Carro - Florence

As part of a tradition that goes back centuries, the citizens of Florence congregate in the Piazza del Duomo on Easter Sunday to partake in a ritual that is believed to bring good luck to the city. It starts at Via del Prato, where an enormous cart carrying fireworks and driven by two ornately decorated white oxen depart for the Church of the Apostoli; there the holy fire is lit and then taken to the Duomo. During Easter mass, the Archbishop lights a dove-shaped rocket that shoots out of the cathedral on a wire down to the cart to light the fireworks on fire. The explosion is accompanied by a lovely parade of music, dancing, flag throwing and costumes reflecting the time of which the tradition was created. There is no admission but get there early because there is sure to be crowds.

Links

• Gallery: Scoppio del Carro - Florence
• Website: http://www.duomofirenze.it/feste/pasqua_eng.htm