If you are planning to go to Florence for vacations, go in April, to experience the great authentic culture of the city and you can get to attend the most important event of the city – the Explosion of Cart (Scoppio del Carro). As it is starting of spring, the whole city come alive after the harsh winter and celebrate the event.Many people say that the idea behind this festival was visualize the war period, for the purpose of entertainment.
The history of this event combines religious antiques with pyrotechnic machinery in a really eccentric way.But the impeccable purpose of this pagan ceremony is to celebrate a good yield and to feel the colors as well as smell of the spring.
Scoppio del Carro festival dates back to 1097, when the a Florentine – Pazzino de’Pazzi who was the first person to climb the Jerusalem walls. So as a reward for his bravery, his commander gifted him the three flints from Holy Sepulchre. From then they started a tradition of a yearly “holy fire” which was passed through entire city as a religious relic so everyone can see during Holy Week. This ancient carnival then continued by his followers to stay organized.
The Explosion of the Cart is one of the most significant events of Florence, where hundreds of Florentines as well as tourists become the part of this event on Easter morning and go after a parade of musician, soldiers, flag throwers, and nobles and “the cart” which is named as brindellone. The cart is pulled by two white oxen.
The parade goes through the streets of the Florence and then it arrives at the Piazza Duomo ahead of Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. After this the best part begins, that is chanting of “Gloria al Signore”. During this moment a dove shaped rocket goes out of the cart towards the altar and returns to the cart where there are fireworks.
The fireworks takes place for almost 20-30 minutes and then bells of Giotto’s bell tower blare out. It is said that if that dove shaped rocket comes back with no hampeAring, it means good times is coming. The quality of fireworks predicts the luck of Florence for the entire year. Florentine people believe that, if the explosion goes smoothly and well, then it will bring fortune for the city, good business and good crops. So if you are planning your tour to Florence, plan your trip wisely and don’t miss to attend this amazing carnival of the city.
