St. Ubaldo's Day
2026Saturday, May 16
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Observed in
- Italy
- Type
- Religious Holiday
What is St. Ubaldo's Day?
St. Ubaldo's Day (Sant'Ubaldo) is celebrated on May 15th in Gubbio, a medieval hill town in Umbria, Italy. This feast day honors St. Ubaldo Baldassini, the beloved Bishop of Gubbio who lived from 1084 to 1160 and is credited with saving the city from destruction. The celebration is most famous for the Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles), one of Italy's oldest and most spectacular folk festivals. On this day, three teams carry massive wooden structures called ceri through the steep streets of Gubbio in a breathtaking display of strength, devotion, and civic pride that has continued uninterrupted for over 800 years.
When is St. Ubaldo's Day 2026?
St. Ubaldo's Day is on Saturday, May 16 in 2026. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
St. Ubaldo was born in Gubbio around 1084 into a noble family. Orphaned young, he was raised by his uncle and showed early devotion to religious life. He became a canon at the Cathedral of Gubbio and later served as prior before being elected Bishop of Gubbio in 1129. St. Ubaldo is best remembered for his diplomatic skills that saved Gubbio from destruction. When Emperor Frederick Barbarossa threatened to raze the city during his Italian campaigns, Bishop Ubaldo personally negotiated with the emperor and convinced him to spare Gubbio. His courage and eloquence became legendary. He died on May 16, 1160, and was canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1192. His incorrupt body is preserved in the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo atop Monte Ingino overlooking Gubbio.
How It's Celebrated
The Corsa dei Ceri is the heart of St. Ubaldo's Day celebrations. Three teams representing different guilds carry enormous wooden structures called ceri, each weighing about 400 kilograms and standing 4 meters tall. Each cero is topped with a statue: Sant'Ubaldo (patron of masons), San Giorgio (patron of merchants), and Sant'Antonio Abate (patron of farmers). The race begins in Piazza Grande and ends at the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo on Monte Ingino. Though called a race, Sant'Ubaldo always wins as tradition. The ceraioli (carriers) wear distinctive colored costumes: yellow for Sant'Ubaldo, blue for San Giorgio, and black for Sant'Antonio. The event features processions, flag-throwing, and the entire town participates in festivities that begin days before May 15th.
Where It's Observed
Fun Facts
- The Corsa dei Ceri has been held continuously since at least 1160, making it one of Italy's oldest uninterrupted festivals
- St. Ubaldo's body has remained remarkably preserved for over 860 years without embalming
- The ceri structures weigh approximately 400 kg each and require teams of 10-20 men to carry them
- Legend says St. Ubaldo convinced Frederick Barbarossa to spare Gubbio through a single meeting
- The route of the Corsa dei Ceri covers about 4 km and includes a steep climb up Monte Ingino
- Gubbio's municipal flag features St. Ubaldo, reflecting his central importance to the city
Frequently Asked Questions
When is St. Ubaldo's Day celebrated?
St. Ubaldo's Day is celebrated on May 15th in Gubbio, Italy. The main event, the Corsa dei Ceri, takes place on this date, though celebrations begin several days earlier with processions and festivities throughout the town.
What is the Corsa dei Ceri?
The Corsa dei Ceri (Race of the Candles) is a traditional race where three teams carry massive wooden structures called ceri through Gubbio's streets to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo. Despite being called a race, Sant'Ubaldo's team always wins by tradition. The event dates back over 800 years.
Who was St. Ubaldo?
St. Ubaldo Baldassini (1084-1160) was the Bishop of Gubbio known for his holiness and diplomatic skills. He famously saved Gubbio from destruction by personally negotiating with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. He was canonized in 1192, and his preserved body remains in Gubbio.
Why is St. Ubaldo important to Gubbio?
St. Ubaldo is Gubbio's patron saint and protector. He saved the city from destruction by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa through diplomatic negotiation. His legacy lives on through the annual Corsa dei Ceri festival and his preserved body in the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around St. Ubaldo's Day? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
