Better weather and longer evenings must mean that Easter is almost upon us. From religious services to egg hunts, here are the best ways to celebrate in Florence this year.
Scoppio del Carro
The highly anticipated tradition of the “explosion of the cart” will bring the crowds to piazza Duomo this on Easter Sunday (March 31). Following the release of a mechanical dove, the “Brindellone” will burst into a display of fireworks, a unique Florentine occurrence to symbolically predict the success of the coming harvest. The show begins at 11am, but be sure to get there early.
Religious services
St Mark’s English Church (Anglican) has a Palm Sunday Choral Eucharist at 10:30am on March 24, a Maundy Thursday service at 7pm on March 28, and on Good Friday, the church will be open between 12 and 2pm for private prayer, followed by a one-hour service. Easter Sunday will be celebrated with a choral eucharist at 10:30am.
Santi Apostoli Church (Roman Catholic) has scheduled services in both English and Italian throughout Holy Week. On Thursday 28, Mass in English will start at 6pm and in Italian at 7pm, with the Holy Hour and Adoration between 8 and 12pm. On Good Friday, the Passion will be read at 6pm in English, followed by Italian at 7pm, with the Stations of the Cross, also in Italian, at 8pm. On March 30, at 9pm, the procession with the Stones of the Holy Sepulchre to the Duomo will start at Santi Apostoli Church, where Easter vigil Mass will be said at 10pm. Finally, on Easter Sunday, mass will be held in English at 10:15am, and in Italian at 11:45am and 7pm.
St. James Episcopal Church’s Palm Sunday service will begin at 11am on March 24, while on Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, every service will start at 7pm, with an additional Good Friday service at 12 noon. On Easter Sunday, the service at 11am will be followed by a toast and an Easter egg hunt.
Spring exhibitions in Florence
Spring is all about exhibitions in Florence. Find out more about Anselm Kiefer‘s Fallen Angels show at Palazzo Strozzi as well as The Enchantment of Orpheus exhibition at Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Coming soon: the Mimmo Jodice photography exhibition at Villa Bardini, Irish artist Jean O’Reilly Barlow‘s The Crucifix Collection at Museo de’ Medici and Returns. From Modigliani to Morandi at Museo Novecento.
Where to eat and stay
Hotel Number Nine
A weekend package at Hotel Number Nine covers all bases for Easter celebrations. Guests are invited to the Daisy’s Dining Easter Special at the House of Nine on March 29, with a performance by Arachel Dolphie and her Cuban band, or a classic Easter lunch at the hotel restaurant on March 31. The offer includes breakfasts and is valid for a minimum of two nights between March 28 and April 4. Bookings can be made online.
Hotel Savoy
Head over to Hotel Savoy’s Irene Restaurant for a special Easter Brunch on Sunday March 31. From 12 noon, a selection of seasonal delicacies will be enjoyed in the luxurious venue, which will be adorned with flower. The brunch costs 120 euro per person, and reservations can be made via email at irenefirenze@roccofortehotels.com.
The Hotel Savoy has organized a flower-arranging masterclass in collaboration with Sebastian Flowers, on March 30 from 10.30am to 1.30pm. For 185 euro, each participant will be guided in how to design their own table centrepieces for the spring and floral Easter eggs. More information on the masterclass is available via email at enquiries.savoy@roccofortehotels.com.
Four Seasons
Enjoy brunch in the blossoming Gherardesca Gardens at Four Seasons Hotel Firenze after a revitalizing Santa Maria Novella iris wellness ritual at The Spa. Starting at 12.30 pm, the Easter Sunday and Monday brunches include an enticing savoury and sweet buffet with traditional recipes and a special barbecue in the garden. For reservations: ilpalagio@fourseasons.com and spa.firenze@fourseasons.com.
Villa La Massa
Easter at Villa La Massa is all about tradition, hospitality and the finest Tuscan cooking. Fully embrace the spring weekend with activities that include a seasonal Easter lunch at the riverside Il Verrocchio Restaurant, including the hotel’s artisanal colomba cake, and a magic show for little ones. Bookings can be made here.
Tre Rane Ruffino
Celebrate the long Easter weekend with an elegant meal at Ruffino’s Tre Rane restaurant in the Chianti hills, 30 minutes from central Florence, where the a la carte pays tribute to seasonal produce and specialty foods from Tuscany, all paired with Ruffino’s iconic wines in a picture-perfect setting. Bookings recommended: +39 055 6499750 / hospitality@ruffino.it
Here’s where to enjoy new blooms this spring in Tuscany.
Family fun
The Children’s Lending Library at St. James Episcopal Church is putting on an Easter party for families on Saturday March 23, 4-6pm.
Mosaico Church host an Easter Egg Hunt at Giardino Orto Dipinti from 10am to midday on March 23, costing 5 euro per child, or 10 euro per family, with face painting, games, prizes and more!
On March 23, little ones can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, followed by themed creative activities and an American-style snack. American Party Toscana, in collaboration with LìLà toys and Jackie’s Bakery, is organizing Easter egg hunts at 10.30am for 2-4 year-olds and 4.30pm for 5-7 year olds at the LìLà Toys branch on via Maggio. Bookings via +39 339 8294922 or on Instagram.
At Mercato Centrale Firenze, a workshop on Saturday March 23 will give children from the age of six a chance to make their own pop-up card with an Easter or spring theme. At the end of the workshop, each child will be treated to a pizza to reward their hard work. The experience costs 10 euro per child, and reservations can be made via +39 055 2399798 or info.firenze@mercatocentrale.it.
Celebrate Pasquetta (Easter Monday) at Villa Bardini with a botanical treasure hunt for children aged 6-10. Participation is free, with reservations required.
