Easter in Florence, things to do
From 7 to 11 April
Florence is an enchanting city at any time of year, but Easter and spring give it a particularly sparkling atmosphere.
What to do at Easter in Florence
Easter in Florence is the best time for browsing the shops and boutiques of the alleys in the city center, stopping in the squares to enjoy the splendid monuments, and perhaps enjoying a break at a historic café.
After visiting the Uffizi (we recommend booking online to skip the queues), you can go up to Piazzale Michelangelo to take selfies with the amazing view and admire the sunset.
In the evening, you simply must have dinner in one of the typical restaurants found in the Oltrarno, and then walk hand in hand along the Lungarno. The pleasant spring temperatures in Florence allow you to enjoy every moment in the city.
This Easter Sunday in Florence, the traditional public events will finally return for the first time in three years.
Tradition returns to Florence at Easter
Easter Sunday in Florence has always been a massive celebration and the first thing to start the day is the historic procession.
With over 150 people in period costume, including armed men, flag-wavers, and musicians, it starts from Piazzale del Prato and ends in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of Florence, to accompany the Brindellone, the special cart decorated with flowers and pulled by oxen. Residence Hilda is just three minutes from here.
The Solemn Mass is then held in the Cathedral, followed by the traditional Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). This is when the Colombina fuse is lit inside the Cathedral, which glides down a system of wires like a dove until it reaches the Brindellone cart, setting off the firecrackers and fireworks expertly positioned inside.
The Scoppio del Carro is a truly unique Easter event in Florence attended by thousands of people who devotedly observe the rite in expectation of the explosion, which was once believed to indicate what the next season would bring.
Easter Monday in Florence between parks and gardens
Traditionally, Easter Monday in Florence is dedicated to visiting the enchanting Florentine parks. The Boboli Gardens, the Rose Garden, and the Iris Garden are all fabulous places to enjoy the Monday holiday.