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Grab yourself a late deal >Spectacular rockets set Easter off with a bang
A dove-shaped rocket, called the "Colombina" flies out of the famous Duomo and sets fire to a wooden cart structure that is the square.
The purpose of the event is to secure a good harvest as part of Pagan ritual but its Pagan roots are less clear than many other similar events across Italy.
Legend states that Pazzino de'Pazzi, a Florentine warrior, was rewarded for climbing the walls of Jerusalem and given two shards of rock which were used to start an annual Holy Fire which was transported through the city for all to see.
Still lighted with the shards of rock, the Holy Fire is lit in the church of SS Apostoli and then transported to the Duomo where the archbishop of the city will light the rocket during Easter mass.
The complex event is complete when the rocket returns from its wire run after setting off a huge array of fireworks on the cart.
Known as the carro, the cart, leaves the square accompanied by revellers dressed in costume and city officials and representatives of the clergy.
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