Offerta dei Ceri
Visitors can join the large crowd in the historic square for the opening ceremonies; respectful silence is customary during blessings.
~9:00
Festival of the Ceri
Festa dei Ceri di Gubbio
Gubbio, Italy
May 16, 2026Confirmed
Every May 15, the Umbrian town of Gubbio races three enormous wooden pillars up its mountain in honor of its patron, Saint Ubaldo. Teams in colored shirts hoist the towering Ceri on their shoulders and run through the packed streets at a furious pace, in a tradition families prepare for all year long.
Key moments
Day 1 · May 16
Running of the Ceri
People line the narrow streets; outsiders should wear quiet colors, avoid obstructing bearers, and seek local permission to photograph.
~10:30
Where it happens
Piazza Grande di Gubbio
Gubbio, Italy
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Basic Italian phrases
Read the local rhythm
Understanding of Catholic traditions
Keep the visit respectful
Physical readiness to stand all day
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR RELIGIOUS RITUAL
Festival of the Ceri
Festa dei Ceri di Gubbio
Gubbio, Italy
Every May 15, the Umbrian town of Gubbio races three enormous wooden pillars up its mountain in honor of its patron, Saint Ubaldo. Teams in colored shirts hoist the towering Ceri on their shoulders and run through the packed streets at a furious pace, in a tradition families prepare for all year long.
AnchorCultural anchor
May 16, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
This is a central tradition of Gubbio. Entire families (“ceraioli”) prepare year-round to carry the Ceri and participate in rituals. The festival reinforces community identity and unity; citizens take pride in their respective saint’s Cero. The motto is one of communal devotion and friendly competition between the city’s guilds and neighborhoods.
Key moments to know
Day 1May 162 moments
Day 1May 16~9:00Expected
Offerta dei Ceri
Visitors can join the large crowd in the historic square for the opening ceremonies; respectful silence is customary during blessings.
Day 1May 16~10:30Expected
Running of the Ceri
People line the narrow streets; outsiders should wear quiet colors, avoid obstructing bearers, and seek local permission to photograph.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Basic Italian phrases
Read the local rhythm
Understanding of Catholic traditions
Keep the visit respectful
Physical readiness to stand all day
Photo with care
Stand back from the moving Ceri; do not attempt to lift or touch them even after they are set down.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
May 16, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Gubbio
Umbrian
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Moderate visitor welcome
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