Discover the Brindellone in Florence: A Rare Opportunity on January 18, 2026

If you’ve never been to Florence and want to experience a local tradition beyond the usual art museums and Renaissance landmarks, mark your calendar for January 18, 2026. On this day, the city opens the doors to one of its most iconic cultural treasures: the Brindellone, the towering cart used every Easter for the famous Scoppio del Carro ceremony. Normally hidden from view all year round, this impressive piece of Florentine history will be on display during a special free event with guided tours and a festive historical parade.

What is the Brindellone?

The Brindellone—officially called the Carro del Fuoco or “Cart of Fire”—is a massive wooden structure with wheels, rich decorations, and centuries of tradition. Every Easter Sunday, it’s pulled by a pair of white oxen through Florence’s historic center and placed in front of the Duomo. The highlight is a dove-shaped rocket, known as the colombina, which flies from the altar inside the cathedral to ignite fireworks on the cart in an explosive celebration of rebirth and light.

This ritual dates back to the First Crusade, when a Florentine knight named Pazzino de’ Pazzi brought back sacred stones from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Those stones are still used to light the Easter fire, which eventually sparks the Scoppio del Carro.

A Unique Chance to See It Up Close

While visitors to Florence in spring may witness the public spectacle on Easter, the cart itself remains hidden for most of the year in its official storage site on Via il Prato. That’s why January 18, 2026, is so special. To celebrate the end of the restoration of the deposit’s massive door—described as the tallest civil-use door in Europe—the city is offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Brindellone.

Event Location: Via il Prato, 48
Opening Ceremony: Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Guided Tours: Every hour from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (last tour at 6:00 PM)

Parade, Flags, and Florentine Pageantry

The celebration begins even earlier, at 10:00 AM, with a traditional parade starting from the Palagio.

If you want to witness the colorful show of costumed historical figures and sbandieratori (flag-throwers), arrive at Palazzo Vecchio’s Arengario by 10:10 AM, where the first performances take place.

The procession continues toward Via il Prato, arriving around 10:45 AM with more flag choreography and formal greetings, just before the grand reopening of the door at 11:00 AM.

Tours in English, French, and Spanish

The event is free and no reservations are required for the standard tours in Italian. However, if you’d like a guided visit in English, French, or Spanish, those are available between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and must be booked in advance by emailing:
📧 tradizionipopolarifiorentine@comune.fi.it

Travel Tip: Why This Event Is Worth Your Time

If you’ll be in Florence in January, this is the kind of local cultural experience you won’t find in every guidebook. It’s not a tourist show—it’s a celebration that Florentines hold close to their identity.

Seeing the Brindellone up close, learning about its story, and watching the flag throwers perform is a way to connect with a different side of Florence: one rooted in tradition, pride, and centuries-old rituals.

Looking for more ideas for your time in Florence? Download the GetYourGuide app and get 5% off any activity in the city or worldwide with the promo code BRASILNAITALIANET5. Valid for new customers only (read how it works here).

What If It Rains?

In case of bad weather, the entire event will be postponed to the following Sunday, January 25, 2026, with the same schedule and activities.