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About
The Explosion of the Cart 2025 (Scoppio del Carro 2025) will take place on April 20, 2025, in Piazza del Duomo, in Florence.
Among the rich cultural traditions Florence offers, the Explosion of the Cart stands out as one of the most spectacular and ancient.
Held every Easter Sunday, this centuries-old tradition symbolizes the city’s rich history and deep-rooted Christian faith, offering a unique blend of religious ritual and public festivity.
The Explosion of the Cart is a vivid example of how Florence maintains a living connection to its medieval past while celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
WHAT IS THE DATE FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2025?
As usual, the Explosion of the Cart 2025 will take place on Easter Sunday. In 2025, the Easter Sunday will fall on April 20.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2024?
The location for the Explosion of the Cart 2025 is the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, located in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, in Florence.
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, and lies in a basin formed by the beautiful hills of Careggi, Fiesole, Settignano, Arcetri, Poggio Imperiale and Bellosguardo.
The Arno River cuts the city in half, with many interesting buildings on its banks and beautiful bridges crossing over it.
The city is located 78 kilometers east of Pisa, 104 kilometers south of Bologna, and 230 kilometers southeast of Genoa.
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, a soldier from Florence, Pazzino from the Pazzi family, 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.
THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART TODAY
In modern times, the Explosion of the Cart continues to be a major event in Florence’s religious and cultural calendar.
While the core elements of the ceremony have been preserved, some aspects have been adapted to meet contemporary needs.
For instance, the cart and its fireworks are now carefully inspected to ensure safety, and the event is closely coordinated with local authorities.
Despite these modernizations, the essence of the event remains unchanged, maintaining its place as a vital link between Florence’s past and present.
The event is also broadcast live on television and online, allowing people around the world to experience this unique tradition.
This has helped to increase the festival’s visibility and attract even more visitors to Florence during the Easter season.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR THE EXPLOSION OF THE CART 2025
The Explosion of the Cart 2025 will start on Easter morning, April 20, when the brindellone, a pyrotechnical tower positioned on a cart, will be pulled by oxen on the streets of the historical center of Florence.
As the cart makes its way through the city, it is accompanied by a series of festivities that highlight Florence’s medieval heritage.
Drummers, flag bearers, and trumpeters add to the pageantry, creating an atmosphere of joyful anticipation.
The streets are lined with locals and tourists alike, eager to witness the event.
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.
The rocket, 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.
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