Scòppio del Carro, Florence


	Scòppio del Carro A very traditional Florence event is the Scòppio del Carro ("Explosion of the Cart") on Easter Sunday. The cart, drawn by a white ox and followed by processioners, takes off from Porto a Prato and leads to the Piazza del Duomo. With much fanfare and ringing of church bells, a mechanical dove is set off from the altar of the Duomo and rides a wire to the piazza and the gaily decorated cart, full of fireworks. If the dove successfully detonates the cart, it's a good omen. While the Church maintains that the celebration symbolizes the Resurrection, the festival has its roots in pagan fertility rites. Address: Florence Italy