April, 25 2023 ( Updated October, 29 2024)
Join thousands of people from around Italy and the world to witness the spectacle of Festa dei Ceri!
Known as Corsa dei Ceri or the Race of the Candles, the Festa dei Ceri is a centuries-old festival that takes place annually in the town of Gubbio, located in the Umbria region of Italy and takes place every year on the 15th of May. The festival is centered around the celebration of the town's patron saint, Ubaldo Baldassini and involves the carrying of three enormous wooden structures or "ceri", each weighing several hundred kilograms, through the streets of Gubbio from Piazza Grande to the Cathedral.
The ceri represent the town's three patron saints: Saint Ubaldo, Saint George, and Saint Anthony. Each ceri is carried by a team of men known as "ceraioli," who race through the streets of the town to the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo on top of Mount Ingino. The festival also includes a range of other events, including religious processions, musical performances, and food and wine tastings!
About the area:
Gubbio is known for its medieval architecture, including the Palazzo dei Consoli, a Gothic-style palace that now houses a museum, and the Roman Theatre, which dates to the 1st century BC. Gubbio is also home to the Basilica di Sant'Ubaldo, a church dedicated to the town's patron saint, and the Piazza Grande, a large square that hosts the annual Corsa dei Ceri, a traditional race in which teams of runners carry large wooden candles through the town.
Umbria is known for its picturesque hill towns, such as Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto, as well as its natural beauty, including Lake Trasimeno and the Monti Sibillini National Park. Umbria is also famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as truffles, lentils, and cured meats, as well as its wine, particularly the red wines of Montefalco and Sagrantino.
Event Details
Name of the event: Festa dei Ceri
Region: Umbria, Italy
Location: Piazza Grande, Gubbio
Date: 15 May 2025
Official Event Website: Festa dei Ceri
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