Celebrate Easter with a bang on a Tuscany holiday

The Scoppio del Carro - or Explosion of the Cart - takes place in Florence every Easter Sunday, making for a spectacular way to spend the day.

Spectators gather in the city's Piazza del Duomo to watch an antique cart, loaded with fireworks, erupt into life.

Before the pyrotechnic display begins to light up the sky above the square, it must first be ignited. This is done by the Colombina, a dove-shaped structure which travels mechanically from the nearby church.

Though the fireworks are the focal point of the celebration, the preceding procession is equally resplendent, played out to the sound of chiming bells.

The pagan roots of this festival are just one of the historic strains that run through Tuscany, birthplace of the Renaissance.

11 Aug 09

Shop for antiques in Florence

31 Jul 09

Enjoy summer festivities on a Tuscany villa holiday

31 Jul 09

Hit the beach in Florence

31 Jul 09

Have a roaring time on a Tuscany villa holiday

27 Jul 09

Hike in the Livorno hills on a Tuscany villa holiday

Other suggestions

© 2007 Adfero Ltd
Views and opinions in this article are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of James Villa Holidays(JVH). JVH provides no assurances regarding the accuracy of the information and cannot accept liability for complaints, loss or damage resulting from the article. It does not form part of the contract made when a holiday is booked with JVH and the information provided is not intended to be a rider or replacement to the booking conditions. Reference to the service or product of a third party, is not an endorsement or recommendation and JVH accepts no liability as a result of complaints, loss or damage arising from their use.