We travelled to Florence a few years ago for a week of 'carb loading' before the Paris Marathon (that's another story...). We flew out of Perth on Good Friday so were lucky enough to be in Florence on Easter Sunday to witness a tradition that dates back over 350 years.
When I think of a traditional Christmas I think of snow and maybe Canada or Germany, but for some reason when I think of Easter I think of Italy, and boy do the Italians (and Florentines) know how to celebrate Easter in style!
Every year on Easter Sunday the Florentines turn out for the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). An antique cart built in 1622, about 10 metres high and filled with fireworks, is pulled through the streets of Florence by white oxen and set alight by a dove (now mechanical) that 'flies' out of The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo). The cart is followed by a procession of musicians and Florentines dressed in medieval costumes.
It's amazing to see everyone filling the square trying to get the best spot to see and hear the 'explosion', even filling the surrounding buildings and leaning out of the windows.
Want to see the explosion? Click here for more photos.
