Festa dei Ceri 2026 in Gubbio: schedule, history and practical tips

Festa dei Ceri 2026: date and why to attend

The Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio takes place on 15 May 2026. This ancient popular and religious celebration honors Saint Ubaldo and culminates in the famous Corsa dei Ceri — a run up to the basilica on Mount Ingino. The event involves the whole borgo and attracts visitors from across Italy.

History and meaning

The Ceri are large wooden structures carried on the shoulders of the ceraioli, local bearers who often pass the role down through generations. Each cero bears a statue of a saint: Saint Ubaldo, Saint George and Saint Anthony the Abbot. The festival preserves long-standing rituals such as the Alzata, the procession and the final run.

Indicative schedule for 15 May 2026

• 05:30 – Drums awaken Captains and Capodieci in their homes
• 06:00 – The bell of Palazzo dei Consoli wakes the town
• 07:00 – Commemoration of ceraioli who have passed at the Civic Cemetery
• 08:00 – Ceraioli Mass at the Muratori church
• 09:00 – Saints' procession and breakfast in Piazza Grande
• 10:00 – Parade of ceraioli from Porta Castello to Piazza Grande
• 11:30 – Investiture of the Captains in Piazza Grande
• 12:00 – Alzata dei Ceri
• 12:30 – Display of the Ceri through the streets
• 13:00 – Communal meal (Tavola bona) in Piazza Grande
• 17:00 – Procession with the statue of Saint Ubaldo
• 17:50 – Alzatella
• 18:00 – Start of the Corsa dei Ceri
• 19:30 – Arrival at the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo
• 20:30 – Return of the Saints to the Muratori church

Related May events

The festival atmosphere extends through May: the Ceri are brought down from Mount Ingino on the first Sunday of the month. Other linked events include the Ceri Mezzani for teenagers and the Ceri Piccoli for children (traditionally held on 2 June).

How to reach Gubbio

• By car: Gubbio is reachable via A14 and A1 motorways. Using telepass or electronic toll services is recommended to avoid queues at toll booths.
• By train: the town has no internal station. Nearest stops are Fossato di Vico/Gubbio and Perugia Fontivegge, with bus connections to Gubbio.
• By plane: closest airports are Perugia (about 45 km) and Ancona (about 90 km).
• In town: expect special traffic measures and arranged parking during the festival; check local updates before travel.

Practical tips

• Arrive early to secure parking and a good view in Piazza Grande.
• Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and uphill sections toward Mount Ingino.
• Bring water and sun protection; the day is long and can be crowded.
• If interested in taking part as a ceraiolo, inquire locally about participation rules and registration.

Attending the Festa dei Ceri offers a direct experience of a living tradition at the heart of one of Italy's most evocative borghi: perfect for lovers of history, ritual and local culture.