On Easter
Sunday this year, and just like every year, Florence locals will be gathering in Duomo Square to
watch a dove-shaped rocket, commonly known as the “Colombina” soar out of the
square. This event, taking place on the 24th of April this year will
ignite a huge wooden cart filled with explosives and fireworks in the process,
thus causing the Explosion of the Cart.
Explosion of the Cart in Florence
It
comprises the main folk festival of the year and dates back to the times of
Pazzino de' Pazzi, leader of the Florentine contingent of the first Crusade who
was supposedly the first man to climb the walls of Jerusalem in 1099. He received two shards of
stone from the Holy Sepulchre, which were subsequently used to start an annual
“holy fire” to be transported through the city as a religious relic for all to
see during Holy Week.
By the
Middle Ages this holy flame came to be represented by a large candle,
transported in a cart throughout the city, which has since then been transformed
into a huge 30-feet-tall structure.
This
longstanding festival has continued to be organised by his descendants and
still bears a strong resemblance to its origins. The cart arrives in Piazza del
Duomo pulled by two white oxen subsequent to it being lit in the Church of SS Apostoli. Then the archbishop lights
the sacred rocket with the holy flame during the Easter Mass, which sets fire
to the fireworks attached to the cart.
A complex
but exciting ritual that if done properly will bring good luck to the city, its
harvest, and the locals in their everyday life. So, there’s a bit of history
for you! If you fancy attending this rather explosive event and you’re lucky
enough to be in Florence
this Easter, then head down to Duomo Square.
Practical
information
Name:
Explosion of the Cart
Dates: 24th
of April, 2011
Where:Piazza del Duomo, Florence
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Florence,
Tuscany, Italy
Anna -
Marketing Team