St. Peter’s Fiesta and The Greasy Pole

June 21, 2023 / History/Maritime, Outdoor Adventures, Things to Do & See

St. Peter’s Fiesta | June 26-30, 2024

One of the greatest traditions here in Gloucester, MA is the St. Peter’s Fiesta which is a combination of a religious festival and a community celebration. It takes place on the week before and the weekend closest to Saint Peter’s Feast Day on June 29th. As Saint Peter is known as the patron saint of fishermen, St. Peter’s Fiesta is a celebration of the city’s commercial fishing and faith, which has grown to become a city-wide party, including the Novena to St. Peter for the nine evenings before the Festival, live music in St. Peter’s Park, a 5k race with Cape Ann YMCA, the procession of the St. Peter Statue and oars down Rogers Street, Seine boat races, the blessing of the city’s commercial fishing fleet, a carnival and the iconic greasy pole contest. The festival is sponsored by the St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee, and celebrates the the Italian American community in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The Greasy Pole at Saint Peter's Fiesta, Discover Gloucester, MA — Photo by Jeffrey M. Stockman

The festival lasts for five days and offers a variety of activities for everyone. One of the highlights of the Fiesta is the Greasy Pole Contest. Each year, local men take turns walking the pole for glory and honor. A telephone pole on a platform in the harbor is greased and a flag is affixed to the end. One by one, contestants walk or run out onto the pole, slip, and plummet into the water while attempting to capture the flag. It can be a 20-foot drop, depending on the tide (of course the Coast Guard is standing by). Eventually, some lucky walker does slither and slide their way out to the tip and snatch the flag — and bragging rights for the year.

Find the complete schedule below or click here to visit the St. Peter’s Fiesta website.