Easter in Florence: Fire, Oxen, and an Ancient Flying Dove
There are many ways to celebrate Easter in Italy. But nowhere does it quite like Florence. On Sunday, March 31st, 2025, the city will once again stage one of its most theatrical and time-honored rituals: the Scoppio del Carro, or Explosion of the Cart.
At the center of it all: fire, faith, and a flying mechanical dove.
The Brindellone
Most people crowd into Piazza del Duomo just before the fireworks. But the most magical moment happens earlier—and elsewhere.
A Spark From the Holy Land
The story begins almost a thousand years ago, with a Florentine knight named Pazzino de’ Pazzi. According to legend, he returned from the First Crusade carrying three flints taken from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem—still preserved today in the Church of Santi Apostoli. Each Easter, these sacred stones are used to light the “holy fire,” which is then carried through the city and used to ignite a towering, fire-filled cart in front of the Duomo.
Because this is Florence, and we never do anything quietly.
Enter: the Brindellone
The cart—affectionately known as the Brindellone—is nearly 30 feet tall, elaborately decorated, and escorted through the city by two regal white oxen dressed in springtime finery. At 11:00 AM, during Easter Mass inside the cathedral, a rocket-shaped dove (yes, really) is launched from the altar, gliding on a wire through the nave and out the doors, where it collides with the Brindellone in a blaze of sparks.
If the dove returns smoothly to the altar, it’s said to bring a year of peace and prosperity. If it doesn’t… well, Florence will pretend it didn’t happen.
The Best-Kept Secret of Easter Morning
Most people crowd into Piazza del Duomo just before the fireworks. But the most magical moment happens earlier—and elsewhere.
Head to Via del Prato 48, early on Easter Sunday morning. That’s where the Brindellone is prepared and carefully yoked to the oxen. You’ll find drummers warming up, flag bearers adjusting their capes, and children in costume practicing their bow. It’s a moment of quiet pageantry, far from the crowds—a glimpse of Florence backstage, before the curtain rises.
One City, Many Centuries
In Florence, even a religious holiday turns into an open-air performance, where ancient history, civic pride, and spectacular staging come together in one perfect explosion.
If you're in town for Easter, don’t miss it. And if you're looking to bring a piece of Florentine tradition home with you — reimagined for today — come visit us at Florence Factory. We tell the city’s story through the hands of its artisans, one piece at a time.
How to See It
📍 Where: Piazza del Duomo, Florence
📅 When: Sunday, March 31, 2025
⏰ Time: The dove takes flight at 11:00 AM sharp — arrive by 9:00 if you want a good view
📺 Watch online: Local TV (Toscana TV) or the City of Florence’s Facebook livestream
