Easter Traditions

Easter in Florence and its surroundings is a time filled with age-old traditions and captivating events not to be missed. Mark your calendar and get ready to experience them at their best!

1. The Explosion of the Cart in Florence

On Easter Sunday — this year on April 5 — one of Florence’s most ancient and spectacular traditions takes place: the Explosion of the Cart.At 10:00 a.m., the procession of the cart, known as the Brindellone (named for its towering pyrotechnic structure), sets off from Via del Prato. Accompanied by the historic parade of the Florentine Republic — with soldiers, musicians, and townspeople — and pulled by a pair of garlanded white oxen, the cart makes its way through the city streets to Piazza del Duomo, where it is positioned between the Baptistery and the Cathedral façade.

Whether you join the procession or wait in the square, the key is to find the perfect spot to enjoy the show!

At exactly 11:00 a.m., as the powerful notes of the “Gloria in excelsis Deo” resound from inside the church, everything is set for the famous flight of the dove and the explosion. The small mechanical dove travels from the high altar along a wire to reach the cart, where it ignites the fireworks, creating a thrilling pyrotechnic display.

2. The Reenactment of the Passion of Christ in Grassina

On Friday, April 3 — Good Friday — in Grassina, in the municipality of Bagno a Ripoli just a few kilometers from Florence, the village becomes a vast open-air stage. Through narrow streets, squares, and evocative corners, a powerful representation of the Passion of Christ comes to life. More than five hundred performers in period costumes bring emotion and solemnity to this ancient story.

This tradition, born centuries ago as an act of popular devotion and as a way to narrate the Gospel to those unable to read it, has its roots in medieval sacred dramas and dates back at least to the 17th century. Today, the event combines spirituality and theatrical spectacle in a compelling five-hour performance set across two main stages, immersing the entire community in an intense and unforgettable experience. It is one of the oldest historical reenactments in Italy, organized by the CAT of Grassina, and admission requires a ticket.

3. The Explosion of the Cart in Figline, Rufina, and Panzano

The spectacular tradition of the dove’s flight and the explosion of the cart is celebrated not only in Florence but also in nearby towns on and around Easter Day:

• Figline: Easter Sunday
• Rufina: 11:00 p.m. on Holy Saturday
• Panzano: Tuesday after Easter

4. Feast of Blessed Giovanna in Signa

On Easter Monday, April 6th, Signa traditionally hosts spectacular celebrations for the Feast of Blessed Giovanna, the town's patron saint, who lived between the 13th and 14th centuries.