Explosion of the Cart in Figline

Historians suggest that, following the liberation of Jerusalem, the crusaders gathered in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the blessed fire descended upon all. Linked to this ceremony is the Easter custom of distributing the blessed fire to the Florentine people. 

In addition to the event that still takes place in Florence, the tradition of the “Scoppio del Carro” (“Explosion of the Cart”) has spread like fire to the surrounding areas of Figline, Rufina and Panzano, a hamlet of Greve in Chianti. 

In 1979, the Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini Flagwavers brought the traditions of the surrounding countryside to the main square of Figline. 

The ceremony takes place with an aesthetically significant “Cart,” a scale replica of Figline’s Palazzo Pretorio, and is held in Piazza Marsilio Ficino.

A historical procession passes through the streets of the center, led by the Flagwavers and, in recent years, also by the paraders representing the 4 city gates and the institutional figures of the town, all dressed in historical costume.

The procession is followed by the solemn Easter Mass in Santa Maria Collegiate Church at 11:00 am, attended by the Flagwavers.

After Mass, it is time for the (replica) dove to be released and light the fire of the Cart, followed by the Flagwavers’ performance in the square.

The preceding days are characterized by initiatives of the various associative realities of the town, such as photographic exhibitions, chocolate egg deliveries, raffles plus guided tours of museums and visits to the historical or artistic realities of Figlino.