Every Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, the small town of Jessup, Pennsylvania, comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Saint Ubaldo Day. This unique festival is celebrated in only two places in the world, Jessup, PA, and Gubbio, Italy, and is deeply rooted in history and culture. For over 100 years, this family-friendly celebration has attracted thousands to Lackawanna County. Saint Ubaldo Day unites the community in a festive display of heritage, pride, and faith, encapsulating Jessup’s rich Italian immigrant legacy. Experience Saint Ubaldo once, and you’ll likely make it an annual tradition.
The highlight of Saint Ubaldo Day is la Corsa dei Ceri, known locally as the Race of the Saints, where three teams dressed in traditional attire, each representing a saint, run through the town carrying 500-pound statues. They navigate narrow streets and steep hills lined with cheering crowds, creating a thrilling spectacle as the towering statues sway and bob while being swiftly passed among participants.
