Explosion of the Cart 2024

Find out more information about Explosion of the Cart 2025!

The Explosion of the Cart 2024 (Scoppio del Carro 2024) will take place on March 31, 2024, in Piazza del Duomo, in Florence.

WHAT IS THE DATE FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2024?

As usual, the Explosion of the Cart 2024 will take place on Easter Sunday. In 2024, the Easter Sunday will fall on March 31.

WHAT IS THE LOCATION FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2024?

The location for the Explosion of the Cart 2024 is the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, in Florence.

SHORT HISTORY OF THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART

The custom dates back to 1099, when the First Crusade was launched to free the city of Jerusalem.

According to legend, Pazzino from the Pazzi family, a soldier from Florence, climbed first the walls of the Holy City, where he placed a Christian flag.

For this act of valor, one of the leaders of the First Crusade, Godfrey of Bouillon, gave him three small pieces from the Holy Sepulcher.

On Saturday, after the liberation of Jerusalem, the crusaders gathered in the Church of the Resurrection and, in devout prayer, gave everyone the blessed fire as a symbol of purification.

Returning to Florence, Pazzino was celebrated and welcomed with solemn honors.

From that moment on, every Saturday, the people of Florence used to go to the Cathedral, lit a small torch and carried the purifying flame through the city.

The fire was lit with the sparks made by the fragments of the Holy Sepulcher.

In time, the carrying of the Holy Fire was made with a cart and, later, the fire was replaced with fireworks. It is believed that this custom dates back to the end of the 14th century.

The Pazzi family was entrusted with the organization of the event until 1478, when they conspired against the Medici family and were banished from the city.

In 1494, the Pazzi family regained their ancient rights and privileges, including that of the organization of the Easter Sunday chariot. A new cart was built, which is still used today.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2024

On Easter morning, March 31, the brindellone, a pyrotechnical tower positioned on a cart, will be pulled by oxen on the streets of the historical center of Florence, escorted by soldiers, musicians and people dressed in 15th century period costumes.

Once the cart will reach Piazza del Duomo, it will be positioned between the Baptistery of Saint John and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

At the same time, a fire will be lit at the Church of the Holy Apostles, using the ancient fragments from Jerusalem.

The fire will be then carried in procession to Piazza del Duomo by members of the Pazzi family, clerics and city officials.

Around 11.00 am, the archbishop will light a dove-shaped rocket from the altar of the Cathedral, which, through a cord mechanism, will run through the central nave of the church and will reach the cart outside, causing it to explode.

The fireworks display will last for about 20 minutes.