Explosion of the Cart
Florentine Parade
Easter Monday in Venice
Murano Glass shops on every corner
Saturday night no earlier than 11 pm,
we were lulled to sleep by a parade marching outside our window. The
next morning at 8:30 am sharp, they were back at it again. Easter had officially arrived! Sophie and I got dressed and headed out at just the
right time to see Florence’s Easter tradition “explosion of the
cart”. Two ox with Florentine cloth draped over their backs dragged
a cart from Piazza della Republica (near where we live) to the front
of The Duomo. We were shoving through the crowd to get good viewing
spots, but the only thing I can compare this crowd to is Times Square
on New Years Eve. Not as big of course, but it was tightly packed and
people were waiting around to see something spectacular. Sophie and I
lucked out and got spots towards the front. I could lift my camera,
snap a photo, and see what was going on that way. People were packed
all the way out of the piazza, so I was really happy we got the spot
we did!
We stood for an hour until Mass was
over. At that time, the cart spit a robot dove out, which was supposed to reach the alter to signify a good year ahead. I didn’t
get to see any of this, but Marissa and her family were in the
service and told me that the robot dove didn’t make it to the alter. People
were freaking out, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from Italians. They are so superstitious —apparently their faces were
filled with complete panic and they started screaming that this was
going to be a terrible year.
Anyways…
At 11 am, the explosion of the cart
began! It didn’t literally explode, but it was shooting off the
more fireworks than I could have ever imagined. This show was more
impressive than any 4th of July fireworks I’ve ever
seen! I have a short video to show family and friends when I get back home.
That night, Sophie made dinner for us and 3 of her friends coming over. It was a nice Easter dinner with new friends
in Florence.
~
The next morning for Easter Monday
holiday, I got up and went to the train station at 8:30 am. Marissa’s
family picked me up and we began our 3-hour drive to Venice! We got a
little lost on the way up, but we made it, and that’s all that
matters. I was battling a sore throat, stuffy/runny nose, etc,
but that didn’t take away from the beauty of this little city.
Venice has so much character in the old buildings and I have to say
it’s one of the most unique cities I’ve ever visited. I love the
skinny, winding streets filled with water, the gondolas, and the
major canals. I was in awe that everything could run by boat, including police and taxis. I couldn’t stop taking pictures—everything looked
like it came straight off a postcard. Of everywhere I've visited, Italy is most true to photos, I'd have to say.
Next to Venice lies the island of
Murano, where they make the famous hand-blown Murano glass. Since
Venice is the hub of all the islands, they sell Murano glass in just
about every shop. I fell in love with a lampshade, but unfortunately
it was out of my price range! Someday sooner than later I will be
back to visit beautiful Venice. And maybe I will get the lampshade.
I wish I could have stayed longer in Venice,
but it was a great day with Marissa and her family topped off with a
9-11 pm dinner at my favorite Florentine restaurant “Il Gatto e la
Volpe”.
My 4-day Easter weekend couldn’t have
been better!
XO, SL
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