>Ubald, bishop of Gubbio (1160) - Ubald often defended his
>people in public dangers. The Emperor Frederick Barbarossa
>had sacked the city of Spoleto and threatened to do the
>same to Gubbio. Ubald met Frederick on the road and
>diverted the emperor from his purpose.
Every year in Spring (on or about 16 May) the town of Gubbio hosts the Corso
dei Ceri - a festival celebrating San'Ubaldo with a race from the town
(nestled picturesquely, rather like Assisi, on the side of a large hill) up
to the Sanctuary of San'Ubaldo (wherein lie his remains) on top of the
aforementioned picturesque hill. The race is carried out by three teams -
one representing San'Ubaldo dressed in yellow, one San Giorgio (blue), and
one San' Antonio (black). The teams each carry an enormous 'Cero' ('candle')
made of solid wood and surmounted by a figure of the saint. The teams run,
carrying the Cero and followed by all the townsfolk (and visitors/tourists).
San' Ubaldo always wins (because he always gets to start first) and San
Giorgio usually comes second (although this is not always the case).
Townsfolk traditionally support one team or another (this appears to be
determined by geography and/or profession - usually students support
San'Antonio, the traditional loser!). The night before the race the town
hosts a celebration with much food, wine and dancing. I had a fabulous time
when I went and I recommend it highly (although I would suggest you sharpen
up your fitness before the race up the hill - which begins to look more and
more like a mountain the further up you go!)
Justine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justine Heazlewood
Mail: C/- History Department, Monash University,
Clayton VIC 3168 Australia
Voice: +61 3 9531 6520
Email: [log in to unmask]
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