May
15
2012
May
15
2012
May
15
2013
May
15
2013
May
15
2014
May
15
2014
May
15
2015
May
15
2015
The Race of the Candles in Gubbio, A Festival for the Quick and Nimble
Published on January 09, 2012 by Vanessa Boiser
Country: Italy 
The Experience
Italy is known as a beautiful, serene yet phenomenal place just like its other counterparts in Europe. Rome is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, but Italy also has famous beaches, breathtaking natural scenery, and rich culture throughout. But Italy is more than a country of pizza, pasta and gondola. It is the home of the popular and crazy festival: Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri, or The Race of the Candles.
Gubbio is a walled-city residing in the mountain slopes of Ingino, where The Race of the Candles is held. It is celebrated during the 15th day of May on St. Ubaldo’s eve in order to commemorate the commune’s (what the town was called back then) victory against the Gubbio’s enemies. The Race of the Candles is not just simple merry-making where you see people dancing or singing in the streets. Gubbio started to hold the Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri to celebrate their victory and express their gratitude towards the Bishop Gubbio Ubaldo. Centuries later, the town was made into a city and named after the Bishop.
The Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri features three enormous candles constructed out of wood. These are mounted by statues of different Saints such as St. Ubaldo, known as the protector of masons, St. Giorgio, recognized as the protector of merchants, and St. Anthony, who is the protector of farmers. What makes The Race of the Candles special is that it remains true to its roots. It has very little alterations since the day it was first held. A crossbow contest is usually held at the Grande Piazza to mark the beginning of the festival.
The Race of the Candles festival is joined by several groups of young men carrying the “ceris” (candles) and the statues of the Saints. These men are also called “Ceriolas”. The streets of Gubbio are winding and narrow, thus making the procession more exciting; and the crowd of people will eventually thicken, making the trail harder to walk by. The goal is to have any of these groups reach the Basilica of St. Ubaldo first. However, skills and effort are also used to determine the real winner. Truly a thrilling experience, The Race of the Candles festival is best for adventurous individuals.
Gubbio is a walled-city residing in the mountain slopes of Ingino, where The Race of the Candles is held. It is celebrated during the 15th day of May on St. Ubaldo’s eve in order to commemorate the commune’s (what the town was called back then) victory against the Gubbio’s enemies. The Race of the Candles is not just simple merry-making where you see people dancing or singing in the streets. Gubbio started to hold the Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri to celebrate their victory and express their gratitude towards the Bishop Gubbio Ubaldo. Centuries later, the town was made into a city and named after the Bishop.
The Gubbio's Corsa dei Ceri features three enormous candles constructed out of wood. These are mounted by statues of different Saints such as St. Ubaldo, known as the protector of masons, St. Giorgio, recognized as the protector of merchants, and St. Anthony, who is the protector of farmers. What makes The Race of the Candles special is that it remains true to its roots. It has very little alterations since the day it was first held. A crossbow contest is usually held at the Grande Piazza to mark the beginning of the festival.
The Race of the Candles festival is joined by several groups of young men carrying the “ceris” (candles) and the statues of the Saints. These men are also called “Ceriolas”. The streets of Gubbio are winding and narrow, thus making the procession more exciting; and the crowd of people will eventually thicken, making the trail harder to walk by. The goal is to have any of these groups reach the Basilica of St. Ubaldo first. However, skills and effort are also used to determine the real winner. Truly a thrilling experience, The Race of the Candles festival is best for adventurous individuals.
When to Go to Corsa Dei Ceri
Getting to Gubbio, is not that easy, but with this exciting Italian festival and the promise of beautiful scenery, rest assured that everything will be worth it. If you want to see the other side of Italy, book a flight to Milan International Airport. From Milan, catch the domestic flight to Aeroporto Sant'Egidio. This will take you to Perugia, a city lying close to Gubbio. When in Perugia, there is a bus ride that will take you directly to Gubbio.
Odds n' Ends
Aside from The Race of the Candles festival, there are many things to explore at Gubbio. Gubbio takes pride in its grandiose architecture. You can explore the Roman Amphitheater, the Church of San Francesco, and the Palazzo dei Consoli, among the many other visitor attractions. Gubbio is also known as the best producer of ceramics in Italy.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Completely renovated in 2001, the hotel Three Ceri comprises two buildings front of suggestion fourteenth century. In the historic heart of Gubbio and in close ... 0 miles away
$44 EUR+
Position: Hotel Relais Ducale boasts an outstanding location in Piazza della Signoria, Gubbio, one of Italy's most beautiful squares. In the heart of the city's ... 0 miles away
$64 EUR+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Visit One of the Sets for the Film New Moon in the Tuscan Southeast Town of Montepulciano
- Filming for the intensely dramatic climatic scene of New Moon, the second film based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series, was set in the Tuscan southeast town of Montepulciano. In a class of its own, Montepulciano’s star appeal looms long after the final cut. Among the fruitful and stunning landscape of southern Tuscany, the regally-perched hilltop town of Montepulciano houses a wealth of artistic heritage and architecture. Her 14th-century wall defends a treasure chest of Renaissance-style churches and palaces. Etruscan in origin, followed by a strong Roman presence, Montepulciano was fought over for centuries between the communes of Florence and Siena. ...44 miles away.
Books and DVDs
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
French 
,
Italian
are some of the languages spoken in Italy. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People who wish to experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "Corsa dei Ceri":
