Siena has its Palio, and Gubbio has its "Corsa dei Ceri" – the Race of the Candles.
This evemt is the wildest, most exciting and crazy race imaginable !
Held every year on 15 May, St. Ubaldo's eve, the race has been a tradition dating back to the 12th century,
originating as a celebration of gratitude to Bishop Ubaldo of Gubbio for a victory in war.

The "candles" (cere) consist of three huge wooden octagonal constructions, 7 meters high, each weighing about 900 pounds, and fastened to a heavy frame .
Each is topped by a statue of either St. Ubaldo, protector of masons; St. Giorgio, protector of merchants,
or St. Anthony, protector of farm workers.
The Ceraioli who lift and race with the heavy Ceri, wear brilliant outfits, yellow for St. Ubaldo, blue for St. Giorgio, black and red for St. Anthony.

The race is in relay "teams" of about 10 men each. The race begins around the piazza and then leads out of town
where the runners carry the heavy "cere" up to the monastery
at the top of the mountain and back down into Gubbio. finishing the race later in the afternoon.

The piazza is packed with thousands of people from the countryside, as well as visitors from all over the world
who come to see' this event, as can be seen in this picture.