The connection between Gubbio, Italy, and Jessup has always been strong.
The two communities are joined through family, tradition and St. Ubaldo Day, an event that celebrates a 12th century bishop, St. Ubaldo, who helped save Gubbio from an attack.
For Carlo Romaldini, 56, of Clarks Summit, this year that bond will have a little more meaning.
His cousin, Andrea Martiri, was selected as the captain for the St. George team in the Race of the Saints festival in Gubbio. A similar event has been held in the corresponding Midvalley community since 1909, when Italian immigrants brought the tradition to the U.S.
St. Ubaldo was carried on a platform throughout Gubbio to tell residents they were safe. At the modern-day Race of the Saints, teams carry statues of St. George, St. Anthony and St. Ubaldo through the streets, imitating the practice. To be chosen as captain of one of the running teams is a great commendation.
"It's a wonderful moment for not just myself, but all the family members here in the U.S.," Mr. Romaldini said of his cousin, whom he calls "the Prince of Gubbio."
The long-standing tradition draws thousands to Jessup each year, and Mr. Martiri doesn't foresee that changing.
"It is impossible to think that the party can stop this, for every family passed down to their children this fantastic tradition," he said. "I have not yet had the opportunity of seeing the festival at Jessup, but I wish to be able to come within the next few years."
The Race of the Saints was held in Gubbio last week, on Wednesday, and the Jessup event will be held Saturday.
Mr. Romaldini's aunt, Thelma Stella, 83, said she has been attending the three-day event in Jessup since the 1930s but has not gone for the past few years.
The Pittston resident said she was proud of Mr. Martiri's honor, but added that one of the greatest draws of the weekend at both events is the "good table."
"The best part is all the festivities and the food," she said. "You can't believe the food they have after the race is over. It's unbelievable."
Events will kick off with a parade Friday, and begin again at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday when a band travels through the town. The day will also include a Mass at 11 a.m., celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, bishop of Scranton, and the Race of the Saints.
A children's race will be held Sunday.
ONLINE: www.stubaldoday.com
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter