“Si nn’ en matti ‘n ce li volemo!”
(“If they’re not crazy, we don’t want them!”)

That’s what people chant in Gubbio on May 15th, the day of the  Festa dei Ceri. On that day, Gubbio feels as if it’s been catapulted into a parallel world—ruled by different laws. To outsiders, Eugubini might seem truly ecstatic, caught up in a Dionysian spirit rarely seen in today’s tech-driven world. The deep, shared connection to such an ancient ritual makes the people here truly unique.
In fact, Eugubini are often the subject of research by anthropologists and universities. This spirited nature isn’t a minor tradition—it’s at the heart of the city’s identity. As we like to say:
“We’re people full of spirit, and we’d wish this kind of innocent madness upon all the wise people of the world.”

“Per ogni strada della contrada canto stanotte per te…”

In Gubbio, the tradition of serenading the bride before the wedding lives on thanks to the Serenologhi—a group of singers and musicians from the San Martino district. If you’re planning to get married in our city, you can contact them: they’ll gather under your balcony, strumming guitars and mandolins, and sing their romantic serenades at the top of their lungs.

In Gubbio, a centuries-old tradition is revived every year on Mid-Lent Thursday: the ritual of “segare la vecchia” (“sawing the old woman”). While it might sound a bit alarming, rest assured—it’s nothing gruesome. The “old woman” is actually a large tart shaped like a lady, filled and topped with jam, custard, or chocolate, depending on taste. She is ceremonially “sawn” (that is, sliced with a knife) and shared among the crowd to symbolically chase away winter and joyfully welcome the arrival of spring. According to legend, this tradition was brought to Gubbio in the 1400s by a community fleeing the plague in Veneto. Whatever its origin, it’s a delightful moment of celebration loved by locals, children, and visitors alike.

To take part, be in Piazza Oderisi around 6:00 p.m. on Mid-Lent Thursday. That’s where the giant “old woman” tart—baked by local Eugubine bakers—is ceremonially sliced and enjoyed by all.

In Gubbio, inside the Church of Santa Maria Novella (now deconsecrated), you can clearly see some erotic drawings nestled among the twisted columns framing the fresco of the Virgin by Ottaviano Nelli. These illustrations are a vivid reminder of the carefree spirit of an era often (wrongly) thought to be all prayers, crusades, and repentance. The Middle Ages—as historian Alessandro Barbero, a familiar face in Gubbio, often reminds us—were not devoid of pleasure and indulgence. On the contrary, they had a joyful, deeply sensual side!

Do you have a wish? You can turn to Saint Ubaldo—and more precisely, head to the top of Corso Garibaldi, where you’ll find the statue of the Patron Saint.
There, right at his feet, you’ll see a small iron ring embedded in the stone. Slip your pinky finger inside, close your eyes, and make your wish.
You never know…

Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of the city, is also the protector of boxers. But why?
The beloved bishop, known for his gentle and peaceful nature, encouraged the people of Gubbio to resolve conflicts without weapons. In case of disputes, it was better to “resort to fists” rather than shed blood.
The advice caught on so well that Il gioco della pugna—the game of the fistfight—continued to be practiced by the city’s four quarters up until the late 1700s.
After Easter week, people would exchange blows for a whole week—just to blow off steam.

And then… it’s up to you!