No description of Gubbio is complete without mentioning its ‘Ceri’ and the Ceri festival. On 15th May each year, three monumental wooden structures, composed of two hollow octagonal prisms surmounted by statues of the town’s three patron saints of the arts, are carried, running, through the streets on a 4-km journey that climbs to the top of Monte Igino, where the Basilica di S. Ubaldo is located. On this occasion, the streets are decorated in the colours of the three saints: the yellow of Sant’Ubaldo (patron of the town and protector of masons and stonecutters), the blue of S. Giorgio (protector of traders and artisans) and the black of Sant’Antonio (protector of farmers and students). The air resounds with the ringing of the large bell of the Palazzo dei Consoli when the run begins in the afternoon, although it is not a competition because the saints arrive at the Basilica in the starting order, with Sant’Ubaldo always in the lead. Considerable effort is required by the Ceri carriers: teams of 10 individuals carry the monumental four-metre-high pedestals weighing about 400 kg on their shoulders for a maximum of 70 metres before being replaced by another team. The event is the most anticipated moment in the year for the inhabitants of Gubbio, and its origins are lost in history. According to some, the festival developed in the pagan era from the rituals dedicated to the goddess Ceres, protector of the harvest, while others claim it is a re-enactment of the candlelit funeral procession of the coffin of Sant’Ubaldo on the day of his death, 16th May 1160. Whatever the case, the Festa dei Ceri is definitely an unmissable event!
Two other events that enliven the districts of Gubbio are also closely connected to the town’s medieval traditions: the Palio della Balestra, held on the last Sunday in May, and the Torneo dei Quartieri, held on 14th August, both dedicated to shooting with a medieval crossbow. The first involves a challenge between the members of the Crossbow Clubs of Gubbio and Sansepolcro, while the second involves the crossbowmen from the four districts of Gubbio (Sant’Andrea, San Giuliano, San Martino, San Pietro).
While history and tradition are kingpins in Gubbio, it is also true that the town offers a great deal more: music lovers should visit the town in the months of July and August for the Gubbio Summer Festival, a much-anticipated event for both citizens and tourists, with concerts and performances by musicians, teachers and professionals, but also many young musicians who flock here from all over the world, offering their unique talents to rapt audiences.
Finally, if you love the lights and magical atmosphere of Christmas, Gubbio will amaze you with ‘The World’s Largest Christmas Tree’, a Christmas tree decorated with more than 800 lights and measuring 800 metres in height and 400 metres in width. It extends along the entire slope of Mount Igino, from the valley to the peak, and is lit every year on 7th December.
You’ll be left speechless with amazement!