The Ceri Race – Gubbio

On May 15th, three 4 meters high “Ceri” are racing in the streets of Gubbio.

The Ceri Race is a celebration that takes place every year in Gubbio, in the province of Perugia, on May 15th, which is the day before the feast of the patron Saint Ubaldo. Its origin dates back to 1160!

The Ceri are 3 wooden structures 4 meters high and their weight is around 4 quintals. On the top are the statues of the Saints Ubaldo, George, and Anthony.

They are carried by the “Ceraioli” on a race through the streets of Gubbio to the patron saint’s cathedral, which is located at the top of Mount Ingino.

The feast of the Ceri Race starts at 11.30 am with the Alzata dei Ceri (Elevation of the Ceri), one of the most exciting moments of the event. When the bell tower rings, the three Ceri leaders, called Capodieci, push fast forward and the Ceraioli rise vertically the Ceri. At this point the crowd opens a path for the race.

In the afternoon, the Ceri Race go through the main streets of Gubbio.
The Ceri, that swing in a scary way, are preceded by the Captain, the Standard bearer, and the Trumpet player on horseback.
The path towards the Cathedral is far around 4 km and 300 mts.
Once the race is done, the celebration starts in the whole town.

Steve McCurry, the great American photographer who realized a photoshoot in Umbria region, said about the Ceri Race “I thought to see only 3 saints and I saw three Ceri. I thought to see a city and I saw a population. But especially, I thought to see a feast and I saw life”.

The Ceri Race in Gubbio is so important that in 1973 the 3 stylized Ceri became the emblem of the Umbria Region.

For further info check the website>>>

Photo source: wikipedia

AND AFTER THE CERI RACE?
That’s time to enjoy the tasteful traditional food of the region>>>
And to discover on ItalybyEvents a selection of what else you can do or visit in Umbria>>>