Scoppio del Carro
The ancient Easter ritual in the heart of Florence, blending faith, fireworks, and folk tradition
About Scoppio del Carro
A tradition spanning over nine centuries
The Scoppio del Carro is one of the most beloved and iconic events in Florence, the capital of Tuscany. It is celebrated every year on the morning of Easter Sunday in Piazza del Duomo, in the space between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. It is a ritual that intertwines faith, history, and popular tradition, drawing thousands of Florentines and tourists every year.
The origins: The Crusades and the stones of the Holy Sepulchre
The tradition has its roots in the First Crusade. According to legend, the Florentine knight Pazzino de' Pazzi was among the first to scale the walls of Jerusalem in 1099 and was gifted three splinters of stone from the Holy Sepulchre. Upon his return to Florence around 1101, these stones were used to light the blessed fire during Easter celebrations. Over the centuries, the ritual evolved into its current form featuring the pyrotechnic cart, the structure of which dates back to the 17th century.
The Brindellone and the Colombina
The absolute star is the Brindellone, the tall 'fire cart' affectionately named by the locals. It is pulled by snow-white, flower-adorned oxen and escorted through the historic center by about 150 participants, including soldiers, musicians, and flag-wavers of the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic. The climax occurs when, at the singing of the Gloria, the colombina—a dove-shaped rocket—launches from the cathedral's high altar, travels along a taut wire to the cart, and ignites the fireworks. Tradition holds that if the dove completes its flight and returns to the altar, it will be a year of good fortune for the city and the harvest.
Two days of celebration
Celebrations begin on Holy Saturday with the procession of the Florentine Republic and the vigil featuring the lighting of the blessed fire on the cathedral square. Easter morning features the arrival of the oxen, the departure of the cart from the Via il Prato depot, performances by the Bandierai degli Uffizi, the authorities' procession, and the draw for the San Giovanni Tournament, leading up to the main explosion at 11:00 AM.
A free, popular event
The Scoppio del Carro is a free, open-air event that is an integral part of Florence's identity. Organized by the Municipality of Florence in collaboration with the Archdiocese, it is a unique opportunity to experience the Florentine Easter through a blend of spirituality, historical re-enactment, and pyrotechnic spectacle.
Scoppio del Carro — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Scoppio del Carro confirmed the centuries-old charm of this Florentine Easter ritual. Celebrations opened on Saturday, April 4, with the procession of the Florentine Republic and the vigil featuring the lighting of the blessed fire on the cathedral square. On Easter morning, the Brindellone, pulled by garlanded oxen and accompanied by about 150 participants, paraded from Piazzale del Prato to Piazza del Duomo. At 11:00 AM, at the singing of the Gloria, the colombina launched from the cathedral's high altar to ignite the cart's fireworks before thousands of spectators.
Programme Scoppio del Carro 2026
Saturday, April 4 (Holy Saturday)
- 8:00 PM — Departure of the Florentine Republic Procession from the Palagio di Parte Guelfa towards the Church of Santi Apostoli e Biagio
- 8:10 PM — The Mayor and the Gonfalone join in Piazza della Signoria
- 9:00 PM — Vigil and lighting of the blessed fire on the Duomo square
Sunday, April 5 (Easter)
- 5:00 AM — Arrival of the oxen at the Cascine
- 6:15 AM — Departure of the oxen from Viale dell'Aeronautica
- 7:30 AM — The Fire Cart leaves the Via il Prato depot, crossing Borgo Ognissanti
- 8:10 AM — The Bandierai degli Uffizi reach Piazza Duomo for their performance with the musicians
- 8:20 AM — Procession of authorities from Piazza Parte Guelfa
- 9:45 AM — Draw for the San Giovanni Tournament (Calcio Storico)
- 10:30 AM — Procession with seminarians, canons, concelebrants, and the Archbishop on the square, followed by the start of the Easter Eucharistic celebration with the blessing of the Fire Cart
- 11:00 AM — At the singing of the Gloria, the colombina travels along the wire from the high altar and ignites the cart's fireworks
- 12:30 PM approx. — End of the event and return of the cart to the depot
Highlights Scoppio del Carro 2026
Prices Scoppio del Carro 2026
Practical information — Scoppio del Carro
Location
Piazza del Duomo, Florence (FI), between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. The procession starts at Piazzale del Prato and winds through Borgo Ognissanti and the historic center.
How to get there
Florence is easily accessible by train (Santa Maria Novella station, just a few minutes' walk from the Duomo) and by tram. Driving to the city center is discouraged: numerous parking and traffic restrictions are in effect on the day of the event. It is recommended to use external park-and-ride facilities.
When and cost
Free admission. The event takes place on Easter Sunday morning, with the main explosion occurring around 11:00 AM. Arriving well in advance is recommended to secure a spot in the square.
Tips
For those unable to attend in person, the event is broadcast live by local Tuscan television stations and streamed on the official channels of the Municipality of Florence.
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Where does it take place — Scoppio del Carro
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze