On the morning of Easter Sunday Florence marks the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart). The event dates back 300 years, the cart drawn by two white oxen enters the cathedral square - the Piazza del Duomo. The cart is loaded with fireworks and a mechanical dove flies down a wire and ignites the fireworks. The explosions ensure a good harvest. The explosion is at 11am after the cart’s parade through the streets of Florence.

On 27th April each year, Lucca pays a floral tribute to its most beloved saint, Santa Zita. A flower market is hosted in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, with the focus on rhododendrons and azaleas. Also the team of gardeners from Lucca’s Botanical Garden create a fantastic themed garden in Piazza San Frediano.

Florence hosts the Maggio Musicale from late April through to June. This classical music festival includes concerts, recitals, opera and ballet at various venues throughout the city. This is a very popular event and tickets need to be booked in advance.

Prato’s most sacred relic, the Virgin Mary’s Belt remains locked away in the beautiful “Pulpit of the Sacred Girdle” which also houses the Agnolo Gaddi’s fresco, “The Legend of the Holy Girdle” (1392-95). Legends tells that the belt was given to the Apostle Thomas when Mary ascended to heaven. The belt taken out five times a year and shown to the crowds in the piazza.

From June 16th until September concerts from the greatest artists in the world. Concerts include national and international music, dance performances, the Festival Gaber (Italian Music), and shows with the greatest Italian comedians.

For over three centuries, Pisa has celebrated the "Luminara of San Ranieri" on the evening of 16th June (eve of the day of Saint Ranieri. Over seventy thousands candles are lit and place in lanterns, and then in special white wooden frames (le biancherie) that are arranged along the medieval streets, transforming the centre of Pisa into a magical fairytale.