On the morning of Easter Sunday, a 30-foot-tall antique cart packed full of fireworks and other pyrotechnics, and affectionately called the Brindellone, goes from Porta al Prato to Piazza del Duomo hauled by a team of white oxen festooned with garlands of the first flowers and herbs of spring, and escorted by soldiers, musicians, and people in 15th century dress. It is then lit in front of the cathedral of Florence: a successful display "Explosion of the cart" is supposed to guarantee a good harvest, stable civic life, and good business.