Easter in Florence is usually a tradition-fuelled celebration, but the 2021 version will be a subdued affair due to a spike in Covid-19 infections. Here’s our guide to events.
Scoppio del Carro pre-pandemic
Traditional events
The uniquely Florentine Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) spectacle in front of the Duomo will go ahead this year in an event closed to the public. Loaded with fireworks, the dove-shaped rocket symbolizing the Holy Spirit flies out of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to ignite the cart, known as the Brindellone. Tune into www.toscanaoggi.it at 11am on April 4 to witness the dramatic display.
Religious services
The service schedule for Holy Week and Easter at St. Mark’s English Church (via Maggio 16, Florence) is available on www.stmarksitaly.com. All services will be streamed on the St Mark’s English Church YouTube channel, with Maundy Thursday Mass, Via Crucis and Easter Day Mass planned to open in person. Held on Zoom, events are free with a suggested donation to raise funds for St Mark’s.
St James’ Episcopal Church (via Bernardo Rucellai 9) will hold their Easter ceremonies at 12 noon on Good Friday, and 11am on Easter Sunday (April 4). Attendance is limited to 55 people per service with registration required. Find out how on www.stjames.it.
Mosaico Church (Spazio Alfieri, via dell’Ulivo 8) hold services at 11am every Sunday in English with Italian translation. More information available at www.mosaicochurch.org.
Santi Apostoli Roman Catholic Church (piazza del Limbo 1) will celebrate the Lord’s Passion at 6pm on Good Friday (April 2) and hold a mass in Italian and English at 7.30pm on Holy Saturday (April 3). Mass in English will be at 10.30am on Easter Sunday. For more details, email santiapostoliebiagio@gmail.com.
*All times indicated are intended as CET.
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