“At number 48 Via Il Prato, there is an exceptionally tall wooden door. Behind this massive entrance, one of the symbols of Florence is kept: the Brindellone.
In modern Florence, the word ‘brindellone‘ refers to a very tall person who is somewhat clumsy or wobbly when they walk. However, the origin of this name is ancient. Long ago, during the Feast of Saint John (June 24th), a cart full of hay would circle the city. On top of the cart sat a man dressed in skins, portraying the Saint. The man often swayed or staggered noticeably, and the Florentines jokingly began to call him ‘Brindellone.’
Over time, the name shifted from the man to the cart itself. Today, the only Brindellone remaining is the one used for the world-famous ceremony of the ‘Scoppio del Carro‘ (Explosion of the Cart) on Easter morning. It is a massive, ancient tower on wheels, pulled by oxen to Piazza Duomo, where it is ignited by fireworks to celebrate the holiday.”
