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Explosion of the Cart
Experiencity Category: Cultural Experience
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Go and See the Explosion of the Cart Easter Morning in front of the Florence Duomo
The explosion of the cart is the oldest folkloric tradition in Florence and is considered the centerpiece of Easter in Florence. From the middle ages on, this ceremony has symbolized the distribution of blessed fire to the city, because three stones from the Santo Sepolcro which were brought back to Florence during the crusades are used for the sparks of the “new fire” symbolizing rebirth, the symbol of Easter. The celebration, which begins at 8 in the morning with a parade starting at Porta al Prato (Prato Gate), is still held under the insignia of the Pazzi family, the great historical Florentine family which once held the stones. White oxen bring the cart, accompanied by 150 costumed musicians and flag throwers, to the Piazza Duomo, where it takes its place between the Duomo and the Baptistery.
The “Brindellone” (the Florentine name for the cart) is illuminated with colors and fireworks. The pyrotechnic show begins with the flight of the Dove (a dove shaped rocket) which shoots from the main alter into the cart igniting a brilliant display of smoke and fireworks. If all goes perfectly it is considered a sign of good luck.This post is also available in: Italian French Spanish German Portuguese (Portugal) Russian
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Easter in Florence
I was surprised by this ancient tradition of the city of Florence. On the morning of Easter Sunday the square where is located the Cathedral is full of people and the cathedral is crowded for mass. The Archbishop lit the sacred fire a rocket shaped like a dove (precisely called “Columbine”, symbolizing the Holy Spirit), this in turn flies out of the church along a wire that goes to hit the Chariot in the square, giving in spectacular fireworks that meet the applause of the entire audience. Before now I did not know the history of this tradition