Few Easter celebrations are as loud and spectacular as the “Scoppio del Carro” (“Explosion of the Cart”) in Piazza del Duomo in Florence, Italy. This pyrotechnic display has its origins in the Middle Ages when a Pazzino de’ Pazzi returned to Florence from Jerusalem with 3 flints from the Holy Sepulchre. These flints are used to strike a fire on Easter morning, which is then used to ignite a mechanical dove (“colombina”) that speeds along a metal cable inside Florence Cathedral and ignites a 30ft. tall, 500-year-old cart (carro) loaded with fireworks. The cart is pulled by a team of white oxen and accompanied by over 150 soldiers, musicians, and people in medieval dress. A successful display guarantees a healthy and prosperous year! Buona visita!