The Explosion of the Cart, a historic Florentine tradition, is one of the most exciting and evocative events held in the city each year on Easter Sunday. This centuries-old ritual, which dates back to the Middle Ages, symbolizes a good omen for the year ahead. Blending history, faith, and spectacle, it captivates both tourists and locals, offering a truly unique experience in the heart of Florence.
The History of the Explosion of the Cart
The origins of this tradition date back to around the year 1100, when, according to legend, a cart loaded with gunpowder and fireworks was exploded in front of the Florence Cathedral as a sign of good fortune for the city. Over the centuries, the ritual evolved, but its symbolic purpose of bringing prosperity and abundance has remained. Even today, the Explosion of the Cart is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of Florence’s Easter celebrations.
The Cart and the Fireworks
The undisputed star of the event is the Brindellone, a richly decorated cart pulled by white oxen through the streets to Piazza del Duomo. There, the most anticipated moment unfolds: the lighting of the cart. A fire dove—symbolizing the Holy Spirit—is launched from inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. If it flies in a straight line to ignite the cart, it’s a sign of good luck for the year ahead. This is followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the square in a magical explosion of color and sound.
An Experience to Remember
If you were lucky enough to witness this year’s Explosion of the Cart, you already know how electrifying the atmosphere can be. If not, now is the perfect time to start planning your next trip to Florence to experience this ancient tradition firsthand.
And what better way to enjoy the charm of the city than by staying in a luxurious villa? Discover our exclusive villas in Florence, perfect for experiencing the city in total comfort and elegance.
Discover Our Villas in Florence
The Explosion of the Cart is a celebration that combines history, religion, and spectacle, capturing the true spirit of Florentine tradition. Whether you plan to join us next Easter or visit during another time of year, let yourself experience Florence at its finest with a stay in one of our stunning villas.
Book your dream villa now and immerse yourself in the magic of Florence
Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Puglia, the farms of the Valle d'Itria protagonists of high fashion
Dolce & Gabbana returns to Puglia to present its new collections
Dolce and Gabbana returns to Southern Italy to present its new collections “DG Alta Gioielleria” and “DG Alta Moda” for men and women.
After showing in Capri and Syracuse, it seems that the two fashion designers have been captivated by the beauty and charm of Puglia.
The endless and luxuriant expanses of olive trees, the crystal clear sea, the statue of Sant'Oronzo in Ostuni, the trulli of Alberobello, the white stone, the renowned farms, everything speaks of this land in the video posted on their Instagram page to announce the arrival in the Itria Valley. A concentrate of pure and authentic Puglia that the Maison has been able to capture perfectly.
From 7 to 11 July the extraordinary Unesco heritage landscapes of the Valle d'Itria will be the backdrop for the creations of the well-known fashion house, all strictly handcrafted and Made in Italy to reflect the work and the message that it has been carrying on for years and the land that hosts them.
Ostuni and Alberobello are the two cities chosen by the stylists for their fashion shows: it starts on July 9 with the Alta Moda Donna fashion show among the wonderful trulli of Alberobello, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1996, and then it will be the turn of the White City, Ostuni, for the Alta Sartoria Uomo fashion show.
In this fashionable July for Puglia, the events linked to the Maison already start today, July 7, with a welcome cocktail in Borgo Egnazia; tomorrow, however, it will be the turn of Masseria Pettolecchia where the High Jewelery collection will be presented; finally, on 11 July, at the end of everything, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana will greet this period of Apulian fashion shows and events with an exclusive party at the Masseria San Domenico in Savelletri.
Luxury Villas for Rent for a Holiday in Puglia
Luxury Villas for Holidays in Puglia
The holiday season is approaching, and Puglia is once again a top destination for those who want to treat themselves to a few days of complete relaxation amidst nature, history, and traditions, without giving up all the luxury and innovation this land has to offer. In this article, we'll guide you through a selection of luxury villas for your holidays in Puglia.
You can't miss the charm of the ancient olive trees, the scent of delicious food at all hours of the day, the sea on the horizon, the tranquility of birdsong, the beauty of the historic centers, and a thousand other things this region, like few others in the world, can offer. What can we say, even after experiencing it, you'll want to go back, because one holiday in Puglia isn't enough. Vast and varied, from the Gargano mountains to the Salento plain, passing through some hilly areas in the center, Italy's heel is a treasure chest of places and emotions, as well as luxurious villas where you can spend your holidays.
Here's a selection of luxury villas for your holidays in Puglia.


