Every year at the end of September, Florence hosts the Carro Matto, a celebration of the centuries-old Tuscan wine-making tradition.
The Carro Matto, or “crazy cart,” is pulled by a pair of white oxen and accompanied by a historical parade featuring drums, flag throwers, and even a cannon.
The event highlights the traditional wine bottle known as “fiasco,” a round, pear-shaped bottle that holds precisely 1 3/4 liters of wine.
The day’s festivities begin with the Carro Matto near Piazza Duomo, but the main events kick off around 15:30. The cart makes its way to the Palagio di Parte Guelfa and then returns to the Piazza del Duomo for a blessing.
From there, it continues down Via Calzaiuoli, stopping in front of the Church of San Carlo dei Lombardi, and finally ends in Piazza della Signoria around 17:00. The event concludes with exhibitions by the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina and the flag throwers Bandierai degli Uffizi.
The main events occurring in Piazza Duomo, Palagio di Parte Guelfa, Via Calzaiuoli, Church of San Carlo dei Lombardi, and Piazza della Signoria.
On the day of the event, main festivities start around 15:30 and continue until around 17:00.
The Carro Matto dates back to the 14th century when wine bottles, or “fiascos,” were made in Florence and transported from the countryside on carts masterfully weaved into pyramids.
This unique method of transportation showcased the impressive architecture and skill required to safely carry over 2000 bottles of wine into the city. As the first cart of the season arrived, the city rulers would receive the first bottles of wine, a tradition now reenacted annually in Florence.
The City of Rufina, to the northeast of Florence, has continued this tradition since 1973 with a week-long event called “Bacco Artigiano.” This celebration features local artisans, music, and plenty of wine.
Visitors can also head to Rufina on Sunday (the day after the Carro Matto is in Florence) to explore wine estates open for tastings and visits.
