Cantamaggio
The song of May until dawn in the alleys of Gubbio and the Eugubina Apennine foothills
About Cantamaggio
The song that greets spring
Cantamaggio is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted traditions in the territory of Gubbio, in the province of Perugia. It is a popular celebration of spring made of dialect songs from Gubbio accompanied by accordions, which takes place on the night between April 30th and May 1st.
The 'maggiaioli' from house to house
Groups of singers, the 'maggiaioli', walk through the alleys of the historic centers singing until dawn. The tradition is particularly alive in some hamlets and centers of the Eugubina Apennine foothills: in Purello the group 'Cantamaggio Purello' has been active for over fifty years; in Mocaiana 'Quelli di Mocaiana' parade in historical costumes and carry the 'paniere', the traditional container used to collect food offerings. In Sigillo too, the tradition continues, with the singing extending into the morning of May 1st.
A living tradition
In the past, farmers in the Eugubina countryside offered food and gifts to the 'maggiaioli' in exchange for their songs, collected during their nightly wanderings. Today, Cantamaggio remains a historical re-enactment passed down through generations, testifying to the community's deep connection with its farming roots and the rhythm of the seasons. For the visitor, it is an opportunity to experience an authentic and secret Umbria, made of voices, accordions, and atmospheres of yesteryear.
Cantamaggio — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cantamaggio took place on the night between April 30th and May 1st in Gubbio and its hamlets in the Eugubina Apennine foothills. The groups of 'maggiaioli' went from house to house singing the traditional songs of May until dawn: in Purello the group 'Cantamaggio Purello', in Mocaiana 'Quelli di Mocaiana' in historical costumes with the characteristic basket for offerings. In Sigillo, the tradition also continued on the morning of May 1st. A night of music and dialect songs that confirmed the vitality of this ancient spring tradition of the Eugubina territory, in the province of Perugia.
Programme Cantamaggio 2026
Night between April 30th and May 1st, 2026
- The 'maggiaioli' groups go from house to house singing 'il maggio' until dawn
- Purello: 'Cantamaggio Purello' group (active for over 50 years)
- Mocaiana: 'Quelli di Mocaiana' in historical costumes, with the basket for offerings
- Sigillo: singing of 'il maggio' continuing on the morning of May 1st
Highlights Cantamaggio 2026
Prices Cantamaggio 2026
Practical information — Cantamaggio
How to get there
Gubbio is located in the province of Perugia, reachable by car from the SS298 from Perugia or the SS219. The hamlets of Purello and Mocaiana are in the Eugubina Apennine foothills. The singing takes place in the alleys of the historic centers.
When and costs
Free event. It takes place on the night between April 30th and May 1st, with groups singing until dawn.
Tips
To experience the atmosphere, follow the 'maggiaioli' groups in the alleys; in Mocaiana, look for the characteristic offering basket.
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Where does it take place — Cantamaggio
Centro storico di Gubbio e frazioni (Purello, Mocaiana)