Race of the Ceri, Gubbio, Umbria

The Festa dei Ceri is held annually in one of Umbria’s most interesting medieval towns, Gubbio, where you can watch the race of the ancient “Ceri” (Candles) through the tiny cobbled streets and up the mountainside to the church at the top. There is a fabulous atmosphere and it’s wonderful to see all generations join in the celebrations.

Gubbio is divided into three "Rione" or quarters and each Rione has its Saintly protector. The ceri are huge wooden candles which have to be carried by many men as they are so heavy. On the top of each candle is a statue of each Saint. There is Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio and protector of workmen. Then there is Saint Giorgio, protector of businessmen and finally Saint Antonio, protector of "Contadini" or peasants.

The race starts at the bottom of the town and works its way up the narrow, steep streets of Gubbio to the main square, which has to be circled three times before the ceri can continue up through the town and up the mountain to the Church of Saint Ubaldo at the top.

It is an honour to be part of the team that carries each Ceri and positions are handed down through the generations of families of Gubbio. Brightly coloured banners are hung out all over the town each representing the colour of its Rione!

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