his very original ceremony, which takes place in front of the cathedral and used to be held on the Saturday before Easter, is without doubt rooted in the cult of fire which came down from pagan to Christian culture. Pope Leo IV ordered that on the occasion of this ceremony lighted torches should be distributed to the whole congregation.
Since ancient times it was customary in Florence to bless and then light a large candle at the church of Santa Maria Sopra Porta and to carry it in procession to the Baptistry.
After Pazzino de' Pazzi came back to Florence from the First Crusade bringing with him the sacred flint stones, the Pazzi family had the honour of lighting the Sacred Easter Fire, and this continued till 1800 when the direct line of the family died out. Since then the duty has been undertaken by Florence City Council.
The carro (cart) originally carried the lit firebrands to the front of the cathedral so they could be distributed to the people; it is thought that subsequently, around about 1500, the colombina (dove) began to be used, and that the cart was adorned with catherine wheels and fireworks. The use of both the cart and the flint stones continued to be the responsibility of the Pazzi family.
This traditional Florentine rite now takes place every Easter Sunday in front of the cathedral.