THE EMPERORS' COURT
Location: Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza Strozzi (Florence) - daily, 10:30 AM - 8:30
Date: March 7 - June 8, 2008
The treasures of the Tang dynasty, Chinese rulers from 618 - 907 AD, will be on display at Palazzo Strozzi, in Florence. Elegant works of art, some never seen by the public, not even in China, make this exhibit a great chance to discover a particularly cosmopolitan period of Chinese history, rich in quality artistic expressions. Incredible stone sculptures with splendid examples of Buddhist statuary, fine jewelry, lacquer and objects representing a truly creative period. The display of frescoes gives an extremely interesting look on the daily life and ideals of this remote culture.

THE SCOPPIO DEL CARRO
Location: Florence
Date: Easter Sunday - March 23rd 2008
Translates as 'explosion of the cart'. Easter morning sees the cart and symbolic holy fire arrive in the cathedral square, a dove descends on a wire attached to the high altar and ignites a whole mass of fireworks inside. Very popular and very busy (not a real dove!).

FRITELLE FESTIVAL
Location: Montefioralle
Date: Sunday following St Joseph's day (15 and 16 March 2008)
Frittelle, fried rice cakes, are prepared in a huge cauldron of oil and the version prepared in Montefioralle is particularly delicious. The walled village of Montefioralle itself makes the trip to this little festival worthwhile.