15. Some Countries Celebrate with Explosions
In Florence, Italy, Easter Sunday is marked by the “Scoppio del Carro” (Explosion of the Cart), a centuries-old tradition blending medieval pageantry and religious symbolism. A 30-foot antique cart, filled with fireworks, is pulled by white oxen through the streets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. During Easter Mass, a mechanical dove-shaped rocket, known as the “Colombina,” is ignited and travels along a wire from the altar to the cart, setting off a spectacular fireworks display. This ritual, dating back over 350 years, symbolizes the hope for a good harvest and prosperity for the city (visitflorence.com).
