Spring Festivals in Florence: Music, Culture and Traditions in Bloom
Scoppio del Carro – Easter’s Exploding Cart (April 5, 2026)
One of Florence’s most explosive traditions is the Scoppio del Carro or “Explosion of the Cart,” held on Easter Sunday each year. On April 5, 2026, crowds will pack Piazza del Duomo to witness this folk ritual that dates back over 350 years. A towering antique cart packed with fireworks is ignited at noon by a dove-shaped rocket launched from within the cathedral, resulting in a spectacular midday pyrotechnic display. This centuries-old ceremony symbolizes good fortune for the city and its people. The Scoppio del Carro is a must-see event for visitors at Easter, combining religious reverence with festive spectacle. According to local tradition, a successful explosion (i.e. all fireworks ignite) promises a prosperous year ahead. In 2026 the cart will once again burst into flame and smoke on Easter morning, showering the sky with color and filling the square with cheers and ringing church bells. Arrive early to find a viewing spot, and enjoy this Florence Easter experience that truly lights up the spring.
Notte Bianca – A Night-Long City Celebration (April 30, 2026)
As April draws to a close, Florentine culture takes to the streets after dark with the Notte Bianca, or “White Night.” Traditionally held on the night of April 30 every year, Notte Bianca sees museums, galleries, shops and historic palaces open all night, while the streets overflow with music, dance, art installations and food stalls. It’s essentially a giant free cultural festival that runs from early evening into the dawn of May 1. Past editions of Notte Bianca turned the entire city center into an open-air party – with live concerts in the squares, DJ sets along the river, and performers animating every corner of the historic streets. Florentines of all ages, as well as visitors, stroll through the illuminated city enjoying the carefree atmosphere and rare chance to experience Florence by night. Note: The official citywide Notte Bianca was paused after 2019, but many hope to see its return in 2026. If it goes ahead, plan for a memorable night on April 30, 2026: take an evening nap beforehand, put on comfortable shoes, and join the joyful crowds exploring Florence’s nocturnal side. Even if an official Notte Bianca is not confirmed, check for local “white night” events in various neighborhoods, as some districts have organized their own nighttime festivals in recent years.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino – Spring’s Premier Music Festival (April 19 – July 1, 2026)
Florence’s most prestigious spring cultural event is the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a renowned festival of opera, classical music and ballet that runs each year from late April into June. In 2026, the 88th edition of Maggio Musicale opens on April 19, 2026 and continues through July 1, 2026, featuring an array of performances by world-class artists. The festival was founded in 1933 to celebrate spring with a “joy of life” through the arts, and it remains a highlight of Florence’s cultural calendar. Visitors can attend grand opera productions at the Teatro del Maggio, symphonic concerts directed by acclaimed conductors, chamber music recitals, and even contemporary works. The 2026 program includes several much-anticipated highlights – for example, film director Luca Guadagnino will stage John Adams’ modern opera The Death of Klinghoffer, and legendary conductor Zubin Mehta will lead a special concert in honor of his 90th birthday. Performances are held in the ultramodern Opera di Firenze theater and other venues across the city. Tickets for Maggio Musicale events are in high demand, so it’s wise to book in advance via the festival’s official website. Whether you’re an avid opera fan or just curious, experiencing a Maggio Musicale Fiorentino show offers a wonderful immersion in Italian musical tradition at its finest. The festival’s name itself – “Maggio” meaning May – reflects how deeply it’s entwined with the Florentine springtime spirit.
Giardino dell’Iris – A Blooming Secret Garden (April 25 – May 20, 2026)
Spring in Florence isn’t only about music and night-life – it’s also the season when flowers take center stage. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Iris Garden (Giardino dell’Iris), which opens to the public only for a few weeks each year during the peak of the iris blooms. In 2026, the garden will welcome visitors from April 25 through May 20, 2026. Tucked on the hillside just below Piazzale Michelangelo, this tranquil garden showcases over 1,500 varieties of irises from all around the world. The iris is Florence’s heraldic flower and symbol (appearing on the city’s coat of arms), and walking through this garden in full bloom is a unique way to connect with that heritage. Expect a stunning palette of colors – from deep purple and burgundy to pure white and golden yellow – across terraced flowerbeds and around a little pond. The Iris Garden is managed by the Società Italiana dell’Iris (Italian Iris Society), which also hosts an international iris breeding competition here each year. Admission is free, and volunteers on site are happy to answer questions (though note that pets are not allowed). Plan to spend an hour or two wandering the paths, taking photos of rare iris blossoms, and enjoying panoramic views of Florence’s skyline from the garden’s various lookout points. It’s an ideal peaceful escape from the city buzz – a spring oasis where nature and Florentine tradition meet in fragrant, colorful harmony.
Festa del Grillo – A Folklore Festival Returns (Ascension Week, May 2026)
Among Florence’s most charming folk traditions is the Festa del Grillo, or “Festival of the Cricket,” a spring fair that historically took place on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter) in the Cascine Park. The custom’s roots go back centuries – families would gather outdoors in the Cascine on Ascension Thursday for a picnic and fair, and children would receive little crickets in decorated cages as symbols of good luck and the return of spring. In modern times, selling live crickets was banned (since 1999), but the festival continued with toy or paper crickets given as tokens of fortune. After a hiatus, Festa del Grillo was revived in 2025 in a new format: on June 1, 2025, an updated Festa del Grillo was held at Parco dell’Anconella, featuring educational displays of crickets by a zoologist and handing out toy cricket cages to kids. This revival proved popular, bringing back a beloved Florentine rite of spring in a more animal-friendly way. For 2026, the Festa del Grillo is expected to take place around mid-May (likely the Sunday of Ascension week, around May 17, 2026 – since Ascension Day falls on May 14). The exact date and location will be announced by the city, but visitors can anticipate a family-friendly spring fair atmosphere with outdoor food stands, games, and music, all celebrating the cheerful cri-cri of the cricket. It’s a delightful opportunity to join locals in a traditional festivity that marks the season of renewal. If you have children – or are simply young at heart – don’t miss the chance to pick up a little cricket keepsake and enjoy an afternoon in the park as Florentines have done for generations.
Other Spring Highlights in Florence 2026
Florence’s spring calendar offers even more events beyond the major festivals above. In late April, artisans from all over Italy gather for the Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato (International Handicrafts Fair), a week-long showcase of traditional crafts, design, and food products. In 2026 this popular fair runs from April 25 to May 3, 2026 at Fortezza da Basso, where visitors can browse and buy handmade goods ranging from Tuscan ceramics and leatherwork to contemporary artisan creations. It’s a fantastic place to pick up an authentic Florentine souvenir and see craftspeople in action through demonstrations and workshops. Meanwhile, cocktail aficionados will enjoy Florence Cocktail Week, scheduled for April 16–22, 2026, which marks its 10th anniversary with special tastings and mixology events in bars across the city. And as spring turns to early summer, Florence gears up for the Feast of San Giovanni on June 24 (the city’s patron saint’s day) with historical pageantry and fireworks – though that falls just beyond spring, it’s worth noting for extended stays. In short, from April through May there is always something happening in Florence: art exhibitions, food fairs, concerts and more. Be sure to check local event listings (like The Florentine or the Feel Florence app) for up-to-date details so you can catch these additional seasonal events during your visit.
Florence’s cultural festivities aren’t limited to spring – the city also buzzes with events in every season. For example, in the fall the city indulges in its food heritage with autumn food traditions in Florence (savoring truffles, chestnuts and new wine) and hosts numerous autumn festivals in and around Florence that celebrate the harvest and cooler weather. Whenever you choose to visit, immersing yourself in local culture will greatly enrich your experience. If you’re inspired by Florence’s festivals and want to deepen your connection to the city, consider joining an Italian language and culture course during your stay. It’s a wonderful way to learn Italian while engaging with Florence’s traditions – enabling you to understand the stories behind the celebrations, chat with locals at events, and truly feel at home amid the springtime magic of Florence.
