St. Peter’s Fiesta in Gloucester returns for 2023, complete with iconic ‘Greasy Pole’ competition
The St. Peter’s Fiesta in Gloucester is back with the 2023 season, complete with the iconic ‘Greasy Pole’ competition
The St. Peter’s Fiesta is an annual celebration in Gloucester taking place on the weekend closest to the Feast Day of St. Peter, June 29.
The event has long attracted visitors from all over the country and is sponsored by the Gloucester Italian-American fishing community and started in 1927.
The entire Italian-American section of Gloucester is decorated with flags, bunting, colored lights, and streamers. Some fifty archways are erected over the streets, their colored lights presenting an awe-inspiring sight when viewed at night.
The ‘Greasy Pole’ contest is an iconic tradition in the St. Peter’s Fiesta. It takes place 200 feet off Pavilion Beach. A forty-five-foot telephone pole is attached to a platform and extends out over the water. A red flag is nailed to a stick at the end of the pole which is then heavily greased.
One-by-one brave soles compete and run across the grease-covered pole trying to capture a flag before slipping and falling into the water.
Once a contestant captures the flag he then swims to the beach with all the other contestants. He is then lifted onto the shoulders of his fellow walkers and paraded around the town.
The Greasy Pole contest takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Pavilion Beach immediately following the Seine boat races.
For more info and a lineup of events, visit the link here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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