Saint Ubaldo Day

What happens during the day

The event starts early with music and a cemetery ceremony. Participants share a frittata breakfast before attending Mass. The main activity involves lifting large wooden structures called ceri onto H-shaped platforms. Teams of runners then carry these heavy loads through the streets. In Gubbio, they race up a mountain to a basilica. In Jessup, they run downhill and then back uphill around a stadium.

History and origins

The tradition likely stems from pre-Christian rites recorded in ancient tablets. Italian immigrants from the Umbria region brought the custom to Jessup in 1909. The practice stopped briefly but returned for a centennial celebration. The two towns are now sister cities. The American version remains a strong community fixture, drawing thousands of spectators to the small borough each year.

Meaning and symbolism

The heavy pedestals resemble the bier that carried the bishop. Runners seek to honor the saint by completing the course quickly. In Gubbio, the home team tries to close the basilica doors first. In Jessup, Saint Ubaldo always wins, but other teams gain favor by removing their structures swiftly. The event strengthens neighborhood bonds and preserves cultural heritage.

How Saint Ubaldo Day is kept

Runners lift massive wooden pedestals topped with saint statues. They carry these loads through town streets to a church or basilica. The event begins with a morning mass and breakfast. Teams then race the heavy structures through residential areas. In Gubbio, the course goes up a mountain. In Jessup, it winds through town and around a stadium. Neighbors watch and offer food along the route.

When and where

It occurs on 15 May in Italy. The American version falls on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The date marks the death anniversary of the bishop.

The main celebration happens in Gubbio, Italy. A smaller version exists in Jessup, Pennsylvania. Both towns hold the procession through their streets.

What Saint Ubaldo Day means

The pedestals represent the bishop's bier. Running quickly shows devotion and strength. Closing doors first brings luck to the home team. Removing structures swiftly gains favor for visiting saints. The event honors the bishop's protection over the town.

Who takes part

• Ceraioli: Runners who carry the heavy wooden pedestals on their shoulders
• Capodieci: Team captains who climb atop the structures to bless them with holy water
• Musicians: Provide roving music throughout the town in the morning
• Neighbors: Offer homemade food and wine to participants along the route

If you are a guest

Guests line the streets to watch the runners. They may offer homemade food and wine to the passing teams. Spectators gather in yards and sidewalks to see the procession. Thousands attend the larger event in Gubbio.

Then and now

The tradition continues strongly in both locations. The American version draws national media attention. It remains a key community event administered by local societies.

On the wedding table

• Frittata: Eaten as a breakfast meal by participants before the procession begins

Symbols: The ring Water and washing Bread

Questions people ask about Saint Ubaldo Day

See also

Easter palmA decorated willow or juniper bundle blessed on Palm Sunday to protect homes and crops.Indian Wedding BlessingA modern poem often recited at weddings in the United States, falsely attributed to Native American traditions.Macchina di Santa RosaThe annual procession in Viterbo where men carry a towering structure to honor their patron saint.PyebaekA Korean post-ceremony ritual where the couple bows to the groom's parents and shares symbolic foods.

Good reading and sources

• Saint Ubaldo Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.