The ancient tradition of "Cart burst" in Florence

05/04/2026 - 10:00

"Scoppio del Carro" (Cart Burst) is an ancient tradition celebrated in Florence for over nine centuries, precisely on Easter Sunday. In 2026 the event will take place on Sunday, April 5th in Piazza Duomo, after the Solemn Mass celebrated by the Archbishop. This festival holds extraordinary significance for Florentines, intertwining history and devotion with the city's identity.

Info and reservations

During the Holy Mass ceremony, the archbishop lights the 'colombina', a rocket shaped like a dove, using holy fire. This rocket, ignited by the blessed fire, races along the wire toward the majestic Brindellone, a three-storey triumphal chariot built during the Pazzi family's era and meticulously restored over time. The Pazzi family created this monumental "Cart of Fire", symbolically spreading blessed fire throughout the city.

When the rocket reaches the chariot, the dove triggers the firecrackers positioned on top, thus explaining the origin of the name "Scoppio del Carro" (Cart Burst). These fireworks create a spectacular display of lights, symbolizing the distribution of holy fire to the entire Florentine community.

Since the 17th century, the ceremony has taken its current form, with four majestic decorated oxen pulling the Brindellone from Prato to the Duomo. The Bernini Palace Hotel's central location offers the perfect vantage point to experience this unique Easter 2026 moment.