THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART – EASTER SUNDAY

The Explosion of the Cart is held in Florence, every year on the Easter Sunday

The wagon, which is 10 meters high and called Brindellone, is dragged by white bulls through the city streets. It is followed by a colorful parade, with the participation of hundred and fifty men dressed as Roman soldiers, brass bands and people who wear traditional cloths from the 15th century.

According to the tradition, this event marks the return of the city resident Pazzino de Pazzi from the Crusades.

When he returned he brought with him flint stones, that are known as “holly fire”, from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which are today used to light the fire that sparks a dove-shaped rocket and causes the Explosion of the Cart.

The explosions, that take place for about twenty minutes, light the square and the city skies with colored lights.

Then, the dove-shaped rocket must come back to the major altar inside the Cathedral, without stopping, to promise good harvest, business and stable community life.