Gubbio’s Corsa dei Ceri, the Race of the Candles, is held every year on 15th May…you still have time to get there. It is probably one of the most amazing events you will ever see. The origins of the festival date back to the middle of the 12th century.
The name is a bit misleading since the Ceri are not candles at all, but 3 huge wooden constructions about 7 metres tall. They are octagonal in shape and are fixed to a wooden base born on the shoulders of the Ceraioli, the carriers.
Three teams will carry, while running, the Ceri, with statues of either St Ubaldo, St Giorgio or St Anthony fixed to the top, from the lower area of Gubbio all the way to the top of Mount Ingino behind the town…I told you it was amazing.
We went last year and had a great time. Click here to see the detailed post I wrote about the weird and wonderful race of the candles.
Gubbio is a great town in Umbria to visit anyway, but the Corsa dei Ceri is something you should see at least once in your life.
That looks like a fun and fascinating event. Missed your post last year, as we were moving around this time.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on May 12, 2014
at 9:12 pm
It was great fun. I would love to go again one year.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:18 pm
I remember seeing some scenes of this event in the opening credits of Don Matteo which apparently was shot in Gubbio. I always marvelled at the size of the objects they were raising and wondered what they were. You have cleared that up for me- another amazing place to visit in Italy!
By: Paula on May 12, 2014
at 9:24 pm
Gubbio is a great place to visit anyway, but the race is really something to see.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:19 pm
Thanks that was a real education – would enjoy seeing that one day.
By: Dianne Cant on May 12, 2014
at 10:11 pm
You should go before occupational health and safety stops stuff like this.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:19 pm
I hope to be in Florence for a few months next year, I’d better think about getting to Gubbio for this event. Thank you, Debra.
By: ytaba36 on May 12, 2014
at 10:54 pm
It is an amazing thing to see. Go a day ahead and get the lay of the land.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:20 pm
They carry those while running uphill? Impressive!
By: Journey Photographic on May 12, 2014
at 10:58 pm
Looks like a fabulous event….maybe next year!
By: Jim & Kerry on May 13, 2014
at 12:21 am
great event to capture, I have been in Gubio some centuries ago…LOL
By: corneliaweberphotography on May 13, 2014
at 4:35 am
Having been in Gubbio a few years ago during the running of this event – can attest to the fact that it’s an amazing spectacle!
By: GetawayGuru on May 13, 2014
at 7:35 am
What fun!!
By: Where's Wiwi? on May 13, 2014
at 8:23 pm
I recall this from the past. Probably quite the drive for you, but worth it.
By: aFrankAngle on May 14, 2014
at 10:51 am
Gubbio was about 4 hours away from Bagni di Lucca, but well worth it.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:16 pm
What a fun event, Debra. It must be amazing to watch everyone running with these huge constructions. I suppose the ones at the front get pushed along by the momentum of the crowd behind. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on May 14, 2014
at 2:47 pm
It is one of the most ridiculous and fascinating events I have ever seen. I will go back one year and do it all again.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 14, 2014
at 8:15 pm
WOW! A crowded event I always want to attend to. I would have no problem wrestling with that crowd just to get in on the actions. 😀
By: rommel on May 15, 2014
at 2:53 am
[…] The race of the candles in Gubbio […]
By: TODAY’S HOLIDAY: Race of the Ceri | euzicasa on May 15, 2014
at 12:39 pm
Great photos, Debra. Unfortunately, we missed it this year…
By: mulino dominillo on May 16, 2014
at 11:46 am