Festivals around the world, month by month

Florence's Easter tradition, the 'Explosion of the Cart'. A cart about 9 metres tall, packed with fireworks, is pulled by white oxen decorated with flowers to the square in front of the cathedral.

On the day: During Easter Mass a rocket shaped like a dove, the 'colombina', is lit at the altar and shoots along a wire out of the cathedral to set off the cart. A good display is said to promise a good harvest and good business.

Hanami, "flower viewing", is the old custom of enjoying the short life of the cherry blossom (sakura). The Japan Meteorological Agency follows the "cherry blossom front" as it moves up the country each year.

On the day: Friends, families and work colleagues spread blue sheets under the trees in parks and have long picnics with food and drink. At night, lanterns light the trees for yozakura, "night cherry blossom" viewing.