Easter in Florence

Holy Week begins in Florence with the Capodanno di Marzo, celebrated every year on 25 March. This event is deeply rooted in the city’s history and its ancient civil calendar, and it is still observed today as a moment rich in identity and symbolic meaning.

Yes, Florence celebrates two New Year’s Days each year! Alongside the more familiar 1 January, the Capodanno di Marzo represents a return to the city’s origins, an opportunity to rediscover customs and traditions that date back to Florence’s medieval past.

In fact, until 1749 the civil year began on 25 March, nine months before Christmas. This date was chosen deliberately, as it coincided with the Feast of the Annunciation, a moment filled with religious and symbolic significance that marked the beginning of a new cycle. For centuries, contracts, public acts and official Florentine documents recorded this date as the start of the year, making the Capodanno di Marzo a true civic institution.

As part of this tradition, which is deeply felt by the people of Florence, the city authorities organise a historical procession to accompany the celebration, complete with costumed figures, music and flag throwers.

The streets of the historic centre are transformed into an open-air stage, animated by colours, sounds and period costumes, offering residents and visitors alike a captivating spectacle that blends historical re-enactment with a festive spirit. It is an event that symbolically opens the Easter season, reminding us that in Florence time is not merely a chronological measure, but also a shared memory and a collective story.

One of the most popular events during Easter in Florence is the Scoppio del Carro, which takes place on Easter Sunday morning in Piazza del Duomo.

This event is a historic tradition dating back to the 12th century and features the arrival of a nine-metre-high cart pulled by white oxen from Porta al Prato. The cart is fitted with an elaborate fireworks structure and is accompanied by a parade of figures dressed in historical costumes.

Once the cart reaches the Cathedral, a mechanical dove is released from the altar and travels along a wire toward the cart, triggering the fireworks in a spectacular explosion of light and sound.

It is an impressive spectacle and an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Florence during this period.

The event is not only a celebration of Easter, but also a powerful symbol of the city’s history and culture. It stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Florentine people and recalls the important role Florence has played in the history of Italy and the wider world.

In addition to the Scoppio del Carro, numerous religious processions and ceremonies take place throughout the city. Visitors can witness beautiful rituals and long-standing Catholic traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Mark the date this year: Sunday, 5 April!

If you love picnics, Easter Monday is the perfect day to do so. Just pack the leftovers from Easter lunch and go to the chosen location.

Here are some tips on where to go for your perfect picnic.

For those who prefer a more relaxed rhythm, Florence offers several parks and gardens where you can enjoy the spring climate and splendid landscapes.

One of the most popular picnic destinations in Florence is the vast Cascine park. Its Quercione lawn is wide and perfect for spreading a picnic blanket.

However, if you are looking for something less crowded, the Prato dell’Olmo near Fiesole is a great option. It is a beautiful fenced expanse of grass, perfect for families and groups of friends.

For those who prefer to cook on the grill, Carmignanello has designated picnic and barbecue spots where you can cook your favorite meats and vegetables to your liking.

If you are feeling adventurous, why not try a picnic at the Boboli Gardens? This splendid Renaissance Garden, behind Palazzo Pitti, is the perfect setting for a romantic picnic with your loved one. If instead you are a history buff, Piazza della Signoria is the ideal place to have a picnic while admiring the breathtaking view of Palazzo Vecchio.

Regardless of where you choose to have your picnic, be sure to bring along refreshing drinks and tasty snacks to enjoy under the Tuscan sun.

An unmissable highlight is the Easter Concert 2026, to be held at the Teatro Verdi in Florence.

The Easter programme brings together two of the most lively and inspired works by their respective composers, celebrating momentum, imagination and expressive vitality. On the podium is Min Gyu Song, a leading figure of the new generation of South Korean conductors, praised for his clear and refined approach, winner of the 2024 Cantelli Prize and now rapidly rising on the European orchestral scene.

The concert opens with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K 219, famous for the “Turkish” character of its finale, which evokes the sounds and rhythms of Ottoman bands. Composed in 1775, it is among Mozart’s most theatrical violin concertos, alternating elegant lyricism with brilliant virtuosic passages, and demanding control, imagination and sparkle from the soloist. The soloist is Simon Zhu, a German violinist of Chinese origin, born in 2001, winner of the 2023 Paganini Competition, acclaimed for his technical solidity, musical maturity and strong stage presence.

The programme concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93, a compact and surprising work in which rhythmic invention and irony coexist with incisive, tightly constructed writing. A fitting Easter finale that combines formal rigour with lightness of spirit.

During the Easter period in Florence, we also recommend the exhibition Once Upon a Time. Sculptures from the Medici Collections at the Uffizi Galleries.

Throughout Holy Week, Florence hosts its traditional Easter processions, with religious celebrations and sacred re-enactments taking place on Good Friday (3 April) and in the days that follow.

During the Easter season, visitors can also explore the Fierucola di Santo Spirito, a lively market dedicated to local produce and craftsmanship, and Ars Manualis – L’eredità dei saperi, an artisan fair celebrating Tuscan artistic traditions in Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Florence’s cultural spring is completed by the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the renowned festival of music, opera and dance, offering a rich programme of events throughout April and May.

One of the best ways to experience Florence at Easter is to stroll leisurely through the city’s streets and squares, letting yourself be guided by the gentle rhythm of spring and the timeless beauty of the historic centre. At this time of year, the atmosphere is more relaxed, the days are bright, and every corner seems to invite discovery, without the need to follow rigid itineraries or fixed schedules.

The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and you will find both locals and visitors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, seated at outdoor cafés, along the banks of the Arno, or in the city’s most famous squares.

It is the perfect moment to explore the historic neighbourhoods on foot, observe the everyday life of Florentines, and appreciate the city in a more authentic and lived-in dimension.

As you wander through the city, you will discover hidden gems such as charming, lesser-known gardens, distinctive cafés where you can pause for a break, and delightful shops that preserve centuries-old artisan traditions. Among unexpected views, springtime scents, and panoramic glimpses that suddenly open between the streets, Florence at Easter reveals itself as a city to be explored slowly, step by step, allowing yourself to be surprised by its understated elegance and everyday charm.

If you want to spend the Easter weekend in Florence, our facilities are located in ideal positions to easily reach every event.

FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli is a few steps away from the Duomo and is ideal for witnessing the Scoppio del Carro first-hand.

FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is instead located on the Lungarno, just outside the limited traffic zone of the historical center, and has a private parking lot.

Regardless of your choice, you will be sure to have a wonderful Easter holiday in Florence.

So why not book your stay today and experience first-hand the magic of Florence?