on Easter morning, the Scoppio del Carro will be celebrated in front of the Duomo in Florence, it is a mixed pagan/religious ceremony marking both Easter and Spring. A thirty-foot carved and painted wooden cart is pulled by flower-bedecked white oxen from Porta al Prato to Piazza del Duomo. A mechanical dove ‘flies’ down a line through the open doors of the cathedral, picks up ‘fire’ at the altar, returns to the cart and ignites the explosion of beautiful fireworks. Before the carro explodes a parade of armored guards, costumed musicians, and elegant nobility attired in 15th century dress enter the cathedral for the Easter Mass. Teams of flag throwers entertain the crowd of over 10,000 people who gather for the Scoppio del Carro. When the cart is ignited, the fireworks last for about 15 minutes, during which the bells in Giotto’s Campanile ring forth.
Spaghetti with garlic, olive oil and chili peppers
originally agghiu ugghiu e pupuciddu.
If you can pronounce this name you are already half way there with this dish. It’s extremely easy to make. You should put as much garlic and chili peppers as you or your friends can take.
It originated as a “poor” dish in Southern Italy but it has quickly become a favorite solution for unplanned dinners among friends.You should always have the few necessary ingredients in your kitchen.
4 or more cloves of garlic, 1 or 2 red chili peppers, ½ cup of olive oil, a pinch of salt and gr.80 of grated Pecorino Romano.
While you are cooking the pasta, coarsely mince the garlic and chili peppers. Put them in a pan with the olive oil and saute’ until the garlic turns golden. Drain the pasta when ready and immediately mix in the garlic, chili pepper and oil. Add the salt and cheese and mix. Enjoy, but carefully: it’s hot!
Sorry, this entry is only available in Italiano.
Here in Florence, we always complain that there is never anything new! Here we we are denying!, this wonderful exhibition, “marvels of trompe-l’oeil” held at Palazzo Strozzi until January 24th is a must. There are masterpieces from antiquity through contemporary names like Titiano, Mantegna, Pistoletto. My advice is to take your time, and to observe those artworks that in this way will reveal you their “illusions” and then…. play in the interactive room. I really enjoyed it ! It is another opportunity to return to Florence! maybe for Christmas and New Year’s eve. Perfect with children www.inganniadartefirenze.it
Yesterday I met a friend in Santa Croce square and we started to talk about florentine craftworks. He knew that I take my guests to see “special shops” so he suggested to show me the mosaics of Bruno and Iacopo Lastrucci; it seems to enter in a craftoshop at the time of Medici family!!…. an unforgettable experience
