Scoppio del Carro

The oldest tradition of Florence which is held in piazza Duomo

Easter Sunday in Piazza Duomo in Florence the Scoppio del Carro reenactment takes place.

It is the most ancient Florentine tradition passed down from more than 9 centuries that traces the exploits of the Florentines in the Crusades and their return to the city. In the first crusade the young Florentine Pazzino de Pazzi, proved to have courage by scaling the wall of Jerusalem. Upon his return to Florence he had been delivered as a gift 3 flints of the Holy Sepulchre and was celebrated in glory.  After the liberation of Jerusalem on the day of Holy Saturday the Crusaders helpor in the Church of the resurrection and as a sign of devotion delivered to all the sacred fire, the symbol of purity.

From here comes the Easter custom of distributing fire to the people of Florence. The "Brindellone" (as it is affectionately referred to by Florentines la torre pyrotechnics positioned on the wagon), is pulled by oxen decorated the streets of the historic center of Florence, pausing between the baptistery and the Cathedral.

Here is the Holy Mass celebrated by the Archbishop, who, at the end of the ceremony, a dove-shaped rocket (called "Colombine") than by a rope through the Church and out outside to collide with the wagon that explodes . Scoppio del carro offers a special atmosphere, attracting to itself every year hundreds of tourists and citizens.