Festival of the Little Candles
The children of Gubbio run their Candles on June 2nd, Republic Day
About Little Candles
The Children's Candles
The Festival of the Little Candles concludes the cycle of Gubbio's Candle races, in the province of Perugia: after the Great Race on May 15th and the Medium Candles for teenagers, it's the turn of the little ones. It takes place every year on June 2nd, Republic Day, and features children carrying small Candles on their shoulders, scale replicas of the three Candles of Sant'Ubaldo, San Giorgio, and Sant'Antonio.
The Tradition That Starts in Childhood
In Gubbio, you become a 'ceraiolo' (candle bearer) from a very young age: the Festival of the Little Candles is the moment when children experience the excitement of the race, the colorful shirt, and the climb to Mount Ingino for the first time. The event is managed by the Associazione Maggio Eugubino Pro Gububbio, which also organizes breakfast, lunch for the 'ceraioli', and a snack at the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo in collaboration with the University of Masons.
A Festival for Families
More than a competition, the Little Candles is a community celebration that involves entire families. The organizers encourage parents to let their children freely experience this formative event independently, without interfering in the race: this is how Gubbio's deepest identity, a custodian of a tradition recognized by UNESCO and a symbol of all of Umbria, is passed down from generation to generation.
Little Candles — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festival of the Little Candles is held on Tuesday, June 2nd, Republic Day. The team leading the event includes First Captain Thomas Caccavo, Second Captain Niccolò Pierotti, standard-bearer Maria Cerbella, and trumpeter Andrea Ragnoni, along with the 'Capodieci' (leaders) of the three Candles of Sant'Ubaldo, San Giorgio, and Sant'Antonio. The Maggio Eugubino Association organizes breakfast, lunch for the 'ceraioli', and a snack at the Basilica in collaboration with the University of Masons. Free tickets for the meals are distributed at the headquarters on May 30th, June 1st, and 2nd.
Programme Little Candles 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — Republic Day
- Morning — breakfast and gathering of the little candle bearers
- Raising of the Little Candles in Piazza Grande
- Lunch for the candle bearers
- Afternoon — Race of the Little Candles from the historic center to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo on Mount Ingino
- Snack for participants at the Basilica
The structure mirrors that of the Great Race, scaled for children.
Highlights Little Candles 2026
Prices Little Candles 2026
Practical information — Little Candles
How to get there
Gubbio is reachable by car via the SS298 or the E45; by train to Fossato di Vico-Gubbio or Perugia, then by bus. On the day of the race, the historic center is closed to traffic.
Tickets and services
Free tickets for the 'ceraioli' lunch are distributed at the headquarters of the Maggio Eugubino Association in the days preceding the event. The ascent to Mount Ingino is possible on foot or by the Colle Eletto cable car.
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Where does it take place — Little Candles
Centro storico e Monte Ingino
Piazza Grande, 06024 Gubbio