Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio

The Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio is one of Italy’s oldest, most spectacular and deeply felt traditions, which every year on 15 May brings the streets of Gubbio to life in honour of the patron saint, Saint Ubaldo. It is not merely a religious celebration, but a unique event that encapsulates centuries of history, identity and popular passion.

The undisputed stars of the show are the three Ceri, imposing wooden structures standing tall and weighing almost four hundred kilos, topped by statues of Saint Ubaldo, Saint George and Saint Anthony. Carried on the shoulders of the ceraioli, the Ceri set off on a breathtaking procession through the narrow streets of the historic centre, up to the final ascent towards Monte Ingino, where the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo stands.

One of the most thrilling moments of the day is the ‘alzata’ in Piazza Grande: here, the capodieci lift the Ceri in a spectacular manoeuvre, to the delight of the crowd. The race begins at 6.00 pm and is the culmination of a day filled with adrenaline, devotion and tradition.

The Festa dei Ceri has its roots in 1160, the year of Saint Ubaldo’s death, and has been celebrated without interruption ever since, preserving its original spirit intact. It is a deeply popular festival, experienced with great enthusiasm by the people of Gubbio from childhood onwards, representing an unbreakable bond with their city.

The festive atmosphere, however, can be felt throughout the month of May, starting from the first Sunday, when the Ceri are brought back into the town from the basilica. In the days following the main festival, the Ceri Mezzani, carried by teenagers, and the Ceri Piccoli, featuring children, also take place, bearing witness to a tradition that accompanies every generation.

Taking part in the Festa dei Ceri means immersing oneself in an authentic and engaging experience, where history, faith and identity merge in one of the most extraordinary events in Italian folklore.