Celebrations are primary in the hearts of the Italians and hence they possess of a festival studded calendar in a year. They celebrate festivals in a way better than any other countrymen in the entire world.
Easter is celebrated in a magnificent fashion in the entire Italy among all other celebrations in the year. All corners of the world are known to celebrate Easter Sunday with a touch of importance but in Italy it is celebrated with pomp and splendour.
Easter is celebrated in Italy with a kind of regional variation. In Firenze the non-Italians have a odd kind of experience in witnessing the Easter Sunday. These celebrations can be dated back to the pagan times with the rituals of spring still in tact that reflect the regional culture.
The event is known as the Exploding of the Cart or Scoppio in the regional language. The pagan origins of this method of celebration is connected with the pre-Christian community of farmers that used to reside there afore time. They had particular fire rituals to inaugurate the season of spring along with which they would hold prayers for a bountiful planting season.
There are various legends associated with the lighting of the fire on Easter Sunday. One of the most famous legends is that of the first crusade warrior Pazzino de’Pazzi who was counted as a hero and who was awarded parts of the Holy Sepulcher.
These pieces of stone were used to light the fire during the Holy Week in his home town and the fire was paraded across the streets of Firenze in memory of the great man and the great event.
The fire was transported through the lanes of Firanze by a cart named Brindellone on that day to celebrate the doings of John the Baptist who was their patron saint.
The cart underwent changes gradually in the sense that it became attractive and more adorned as the years passed by. A man dressed up as St. John would throw candies and sweets at the viewers as the cart passes by the lanes from atop the cart. The Holy Candle was enlarged as years went by and the fireworks were displayed together with the burning of Catherine wheels.
As time passed the date was rearranged and fixed on the day of Easter Sunday. Hence the fire rituals of the pagans were substituted by this new and more beautiful way to celebrate the day. The event is celebrated in much the same fashion even today and the fervour of the Italian people remains on high. The celebrations are not only getting grander each year but are also attracting foreign attention due to its uniqueness. This sacred season for the Christians is a time for parties.
Easter traditions in Italy tend to vary a little from region to region. For more information on cooking Italian style Easter dinner follow the links.
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