The Bursting of the Chariot

The Bursting of the Chariot is an event in the popular secular-religious tradition that takes place on Easter Sunday in the historical centre of Florence..

The event

"The Brindellone", with a carefully positioned pyrotechnic tower on top, is pulled by two pairs of oxen and accompanied by the Historical Procession of the Florentine Republic and the Florentine Historical Football Club to its position between the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Rite

During the opening rites of the Easter Day Mass, at the singing of the Gloria, the archbishop lights a rocket in the shape of a dove near the altar of the Cathedral - with the fire blessed during the Easter Vigil - which, running on an iron wire hoisted 7 metres above the ground, travels down the nave of the church and reaches the Chariot outside, causing it to explode.

The Drawing

Before the bursting, the draw is traditionally made for the matches of the Florentine Historical Football Tournament, which is played in June, preceded by the performance of the Victory Anthem by the Musicians of the Florentine Historical Parade.