WTI Magazine #30    2014 May, 15
Author : folclore.it      Translation by:

Every May 15 in Gubbio (Perugia, Umbria), keeps repeating the ritual of the "Corsa dei Ceri" (race of the candles), emotionally involving all citizens and the public of visitors in a show that is mystical and profane at the same time.

The "Corsa dei Ceri" in Gubbio is one of the most unique events in Italy, so felt that the candle has become the symbol of the region of Umbria.

It's a very ancient event which seems to have originated in 1160, the year of the death of the bishop of the city Ubaldo Baldassini.

Since them every May 15, the eve of mourning, Gubbio awaits with trepidation the fulfillment of this act of devotion: originally it was a great luminaria with candles offered by associations with Arts and Crafts, which ran through the streets of the village towards Mount Igino, where St. Ubaldo is buried in the homonymous Basilica.

In the sixteenth century the candles were replaced with three wooden structures still in use in their original form (but rebuilt several times), carried on the shoulder by the "ceraioli", a role acquired by family tradition. On top of the candle are the statues of St. Ubaldo, patron saint of the city, St. George and St. Anthony, patrons protectors of merchants and of peasants.

In the race the "ceraioli" and the visitors join their forces with applause, cheering and shouting along the route of four kilometers through the streets of the beautiful Umbrian town.

There is no actual competition, because the candles arrive in the same order of departure. The challenge for the "ceraioli" is with oneself, in this test of skill, strength and experience to bring "safe and sound" the candle to the Basilica, though often touching or sliding walls and windows, swinging wildly. The candles must run at top speed, comply with the order of the race and honor the patron, contributing to the success of the event.