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

Date: 15 May 2026 • Location: Piazza Grande and Monte Ingino, Gubbio (PG), Italy.

The Festa dei Ceri is an age-old tradition that blends devotion and strong local identity. The main celebration on 15 May 2026 features three groups of carriers who lift and run with the wooden Ceri up to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo, in a day full of rituals, processions and the renowned evening run.

Indicative schedule (15 May 2026)

• 05:30 - Drums wake captains and team leaders (houses of the Captains)
• 06:00 - City bell rings (Palazzo dei Consoli)
• 07:00 - Commemoration of deceased ceraioli (Cimitero Civico)
• 08:00 - Ceraioli mass and extraction of the bussolo (Chiesa dei Muratori)
• 09:00 - Saints' procession and breakfast towards Piazza Grande
• 10:00 - Ceraioli parade (from Porta Castello to Piazza Grande)
• 11:30 - Investiture of the Captains (Piazza Grande)
• 12:00 - Raising of the Ceri (morning highlight, Piazza Grande)
• 13:00 - Tavola bona (ceraioli's lunch, Piazza Grande and Arconi)
• 17:00 - Procession with the statue of Sant'Ubaldo (from the Duomo)
• 18:00 - Start of the Corsa dei Ceri (departure from the districts towards the Basilica)
• 19:30 - Expected arrival at the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo (Monte Ingino)

Short history and meaning

The festival dates back to the Middle Ages and honors Sant'Ubaldo. Over time, candlelit processions evolved into the wooden Ceri—about 4–5 meters tall and roughly 300 kg each—now symbols of faith, civic pride and community cooperation.

How to get there and mobility

• By car: Gubbio is about a 45-minute drive from Perugia (SS3/E45). The historic centre is closed to traffic on the festival day from 05:00 to 24:00.
• Recommended parking: Teatro Romano, San Pietro, Istituto Gattapone, Santa Lucia, Piazzale Leonardo Da Vinci (many areas offer shuttle links or are within walking distance).
• Bus and train: Connections from Perugia and nearby towns; the closest railway station is Fossato di Vico (around 20 km) with bus links.
• Cable car and shuttles: Paid services operate to reach Monte Ingino—check schedules in advance.

Where to stay and what to eat

Book ahead: options range from upscale hotels to budget B&Bs in the centre and surrounding areas. Local specialties include crescia umbra and strangozzi with truffle; if invited, don’t miss the traditional "tavola bona."

Practical tips

• Arrive early: to witness the Alzata in Piazza Grande, plan to be there by 10:00.
• Wear comfortable shoes: streets are steep and paved with old stones; avoid high heels and strollers where possible.
• Bring water and sun protection; spaces can be crowded and temperatures may rise.
• Follow closures and organiser instructions: some areas will be cordoned off.
• Entry to the event is free, but some services (cable car, museums) require a ticket.

Quick FAQs

• When is the main run? The principal run is on 15 May 2026, starting in the late afternoon/early evening toward the Basilica.
• How heavy are the Ceri? Approximately 300 kg each, and about 4–5 metres tall.
• Is the festival suitable for children? Yes, but it can be demanding; families may prefer daytime events or the separate Ceri Piccoli on 2 June.

The Festa dei Ceri offers a powerful mix of tradition, communal spirit and spectacle: plan ahead, respect local rules and enjoy a unique Umbrian celebration.