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# 60 • MAY 17 , 2015
# 60 • MAY 17 , 2015
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Every May 15 in Gubbio (Perugia, Umbria), keeps repeating the ritual of the "Corsa
dei Ceri" (race of the candles),
emotionally involving all citizens and the public of visitors
in a show that is mystical and
profane at the same time.
ITALIAN GARDENS:
Villa Cimbrone in Ravello
The “Corsa dei Ceri” in Gubbio is one of the most unique
events in Italy, so felt that the
candle has become the symbol of the region of Umbria.
It's a very ancient event which
seems to have originated in Mount Igino, where St. Ubaldo
1160, the year of the death of is buried in the homonymous
the bishop of the city Ubaldo Basilica.
Baldassini.
In the sixteenth century the
Since them every May 15, candles were replaced with
the eve of mourning, Gubbio three wooden structures still in
awaits with trepidation the use in their original form (but
fulfillment of this act of devo- rebuilt several times), carried
tion: originally it was a great on the shoulder by the “ceraluminaria with candles offered ioli”, a role acquired by family
by associations with Arts and tradition. On top of the candle
Crafts, which ran through the are the statues of St. Ubaldo,
streets of the village towards
By www.italianbotanicalheritage.com
patron saint of the city, St. George and St. Anthony, patrons
protectors of merchants and
of peasants.
In the race the “ceraioli” and
the visitors join their forces
with applause, cheering and
shouting along the route of
four kilometers through the
streets of the beautiful Umbrian town.
There is no actual competition,
because the candles arrive in
the same order of departure.
The challenge for the “ceraioli” is with oneself, in this test of
skill, strength and experience
to bring "safe and sound" the
candle to the Basilica, though
often touching or sliding walls
and windows, swinging wildly.
The candles must run at top
speed, comply with the order
of the race and honor the patron, contributing to the success of the event.
Villa Cimbrone in Ravello,
quaint town in the province of
Salerno, is a historic building
built on a rocky promontory
overlooking the Amalfi Coast
and largely occupied by an
extensive park decorated with
statues, antiques, fountains,
caves and culminating in a belvedere. It draws the origins of
its name from the rocky ridge
on which it stands, once part of
a large estate of over 8 hectares of lush vegetation, called
"Cimbronium".
In the late 60's Marco Vuilleumier, with deep tenacity, was
responsible for the recovery,
preservation and protection
of the Villa. The gardens are
characterized by the dominant
and strategic position and
especially for rare and pre-
18 | WE THE ITALIANS
WE THE ITALIANS | 19
www.wetheitalians.com
www.wetheitalians.com