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The Ceri Race is now the main cultural event in the city. Pronounced 'cherry' but nothing to do with the red fruit, the 'ceri' are three gigantic wooden structures over 400 kilos in weight. They feature the Saints Ubaldo, Giorgio and Antonio on top and see the light of day once a year on the anniversary of the death of the city's patron, St.Ubaldo.
The reason is that they are raced by teams of youths from the historic center to the basilica on the summit of Mount Ingino. That's 1200 kilos all uphill by our calculations.
The pagan symbolism of the event cannot be missed. The time of year and the shape of the ceri themselves strongly suggest fertility rites. Perhaps this explains the passion of the crowd who follow the ceri bearers. Keen observers will note that the three 'ceri' feature on the coat of arms for the Region.
Watch the video of the Ceri Race below.
Easter in Gubbio sees the "Processione del Cristo Morto" (the procession of Dead Christ) taking place every Good Friday. It has a special place in the region because of its secular tradition, profound spirituality and the evocative environment where it takes place. View the video below to get an idea.
The spectacle dates back to the laical penitential movements of the XIII century that were organized in Gubbio in "Confraternite" (brotherhoods) and they had a lot of followers. The 'Procession' itself is a theatrical representation of the Passion of Christ.
The "Sacconi" (the name derives from the ancient uniform of the brotherhood - a habit made of unbleached white hemp with a hood and a red cross on the breast) displays the symbols of the Passion and they precede the statues of the "Dead Christ" and " Madonna Addolorata" (Grieving Madonna).
The crowd also listen to the "Miserere", a penitential song made by two choirs who alternate the verses giving the event a particular effect. The procession goes through the streets of the historical centre which is lit with torches. It departs 7p.m. from the "Chiesa di Santa Croce" (Holy Cross' church).
