Festival of the Medium Candles
The race of the young: the intermediate-sized Candles for the young candle bearers of Gubbio
About Medium Candles
The boys' Candles
The Festival of the Medium Candles is the "young" version of the famous Race of the Candles of Gubbio, in the province of Perugia. It traditionally takes place on the first Sunday after May 17th and entrusts teenagers with the task of carrying the three intermediate-sized Candles – the mezzani – topped with the statues of Sant'Ubaldo, San Giorgio, and Sant'Antonio on their shoulders.
A training ground for tradition
The Medium Candles represent the moment when the new generations of Gubbio learn the rite that will accompany them throughout their lives. The route follows that of the Major Race: from the streets of the historic center to the steep roads of Mount Ingino, up to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo. The yellow, blue, or black shirt, the poles, the adrenaline of the climb: everything is identical to the festival of the adults, on a smaller scale.
Identity and community
For Gubbio, the Candles are not an isolated event but a cycle that spans all ages: from the Small Candles for children to the Medium Candles for boys, up to the Major Race on May 15th. The Medium Candles are the bridge between childhood and adulthood for the candle bearer, experienced with the same passion and respect for tradition that makes this festival a UNESCO-recognized heritage and a symbol of the entire Umbria region.
Medium Candles — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festival of the Medium Candles was held on Sunday, May 24th, on the usual date of the first Sunday after May 17th. The boys carried the three Candles (San Giorgio, Sant'Ubaldo, and Sant'Antonio) through the historic center and up the roads of Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo. The race was lively and eventful, with an exciting fall of the San Giorgio Candle at the Calata dei Neri and a second tense moment at the Giardini; a young candle bearer suffered only a minor contusion. The final arrival at the Basilica once again confirmed the passion of Gubbio's new generations.
Programme Medium Candles 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Morning — Raising of the Medium Candles in Piazza Grande
- Afternoon — Race of the Medium Candles from Calata dei Neri along the historic center
- Following — Ascent of the three Candles along the roads of Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant'Ubaldo
The structure of the day mirrors that of the Major Race on May 15th, on a scale suitable for young candle bearers.
Highlights Medium Candles 2026
Prices Medium Candles 2026
Practical information — Medium Candles
How to get there
Gubbio is reachable by car from the SS298 (Gubbio-Mocaiana exit) or from the E45 towards Perugia. By train, the nearest stations are Fossato di Vico-Gubbio or Perugia, followed by a bus. On the day of the race, the historic center is closed to traffic.
Tips
To watch the race, it is advisable to position yourself along the Corso or near the Calata dei Neri. 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 — Medium Candles
Centro storico e Monte Ingino
Piazza Grande, 06024 Gubbio