Easter in Tuscany, what to do from the Scoppio del Carro in Florence to regional traditions

The Procession of the Crocioni in Castiglione di Garfagnana takes place after the Mass In Coena Domini on Maundy Thursday, when the faithful, as they leave the church, follow through the village streets a man who portrays Christ, with chains on his feet, his face covered and a large cross on his shoulders.

In order to best portray the religious figure, no one knows the identity of the chosen one, except the prior of the confraternity. To avoid being discovered, he is locked in a sacristy cabinet before and after the procession. He will come out only late at night, when no one can see him.

The Dark Procession of Holy Thursday in Radicofani is among the oldest Easter processions in Italy and the most evocative in Tuscany.

It begins with the re-enactment of the Last Supper and the opening of the tomb of Christ, followed by the penitential procession commemorating the death of Jesus, which is called "buia". The  Scalzi  – traditionally the brothers of the Misericordia – dressed in black and hooded, walk the streets of the village in prayer carrying a large cross.

The Good Friday procession in Chianciano Terme has its roots in the 1600s and is known as the Ancient Giudeata.

The historical procession is composed of 150 figures in costume, including Roman soldiers on horseback, Christ carrying the cross to Mount Calvary, Our Lady of Sorrows accompanied by Mary Magdalene and Mary of Cleophas, Pontius Pilate, the senators, the court of Herod and the High Priest Caiaphas.

The Barefoot Procession of Pienza is held on the evening of Good Friday. It begins and ends in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

The procession is opened by  12 barefoot and hooded people holding a torch and carrying the statue of the dead Christ. They are followed by a historical procession marching through the streets of the city's historic centre to the sound of the band.

The tradition of the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches of Mugello refers to the seven stages of Jesus  during the Passion and is held on Good Friday along a route that passes through parish churches, ancient sanctuaries and small country churches.

The route starts from the Parish Church of San Lorenzo and includes visits to the Parish Church of San Giovanni Maggiore, the Church of the Salto in Panicaglia, the Church of San Michele in Ronta, Sant'Agata in Mucciano, and the small Church of Montefloscoli. The walk ends at the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix in Borgo. Join us on the route to immerse yourself in the beautiful Tuscan countryside and witness this ancient yet deeply felt religious event.

The mystery events in San Gimignano begin at midnight on Holy Saturday. Through the streets of the historic centre, from Piazza della Cisterna to Piazza Duomo, a procession of 60 people in medieval clothes escorts a wooden float with statues depicting the Passion of Christ, sculpted between 1600 and 1800.

On Easter morning in Florence, the Scoppio del Carro is eagerly awaited. The tradition dates back to the time of the First Crusade and to the Pazzi family, who built the first Cart of Fire from which, symbolically, sparks of blessed fire are sent out to be shared throughout the city.

In the 17th century, the cart, known as Brindellone, was pulled by four oxen. Today it is escorted by 150 participants, including flag‑wavers, musicians and armed guards. It starts from Piazzale del Prato and arrives at Piazza Duomo, where the fuse is lit to ignite the firecrackers and fireworks distributed on the float. A similar tradition is also held in Rufina, a town near Florence, but at midnight on Holy Saturday.

In Figline Valdarno, the Easter event is at 2 pm on Holy Saturday when, through the streets of the historic centre, the Corteo delle Quattro Contrade parades in historical costume, preceded by the Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini.

At 4 pm in Piazza Ficino, the large Easter egg is opened and chocolate is distributed to the children. The event is a spectacle not to be missed. 

At the first light of dawn on Easter Sunday in Porto Santo Stefano, a very heartfelt procession takes place in which the risen Christ is carried through the streets of the town.

The procession starts at 7 am from the Church of St Stephen, passes by the Church of the Immaculate Conception and, after a long route, returns to the starting church after about two hours. The stage that marks the highlight of the route is undoubtedly the one at the port. Here, the statue is raised three times while the fishing boats sound their sirens: it is the evocative blessing of the sea.

On Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, many Tuscan museums will be open to visitors wishing to discover the region's artistic treasures. Choose between the Museo del Novecento or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Museo delle Sinopie in Pisa and many others for a cultural Easter. 

If you prefer an outdoor activity, take part in an adventurous egg hunt in the Lecceto woods or the Parterre Gardens in Cortona: fun for young and old is guaranteed.