»» Historic Festivals in Umbria: Ceri Race in Gubbio
The date of May 15 has been a very special day for the town of Gubbio since ancient times. It’s the day of “Festa dei Ceri“. A day local residents are waiting an entire year for. The climax of this historic festival is the Corsa dei Ceri — Ceri race.
It is an incredible spectacle. Three teams of 20 people compete in a race carrying three heavy wooden statues — of three saints, on palanques up through the city to the cathedral on top of Mount Ingino.
The origins of this weird ritual are unknown. Most common theory links the festival to the patron saint of the city, Saint Ubaldo, a bishop who died in 1160. According to other theories the origins are to be found in pagan celebrations of Ceres, the Roman goddess of the harvest, later appropriated by Christian tradition.
The atmosphere during the race is incredible. Better than words, this video about the start of Ceri Race may help to know what happens in Gubbio during this event.
: May 15 (annual)
Where: Gubbio (Umbria)
- View Gubbio on the map.
- Find accommodations in Umbria.
-> Historic Festivals in Umbria: Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio
-> Major Historic Festivals in Italy: Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio
-> Historic Festivals in Umbria: The Ring Race in Narni
