In approximately one month, the North Shore city of Gloucester, Massachusetts celebrates the return of St. Peter’s Fiesta. With that 5-day celebration comes the beloved Greasy Pole Contest.
What is the Greasy Pole contest?
The nearly 100 year old event is a Gloucester tradition. Gloucester is America’s first seaport and boasts a vibrant Italian community. The Greasy Pole contest is a main attraction of the larger 5-day celebration of St. Peter’s Fiesta.
The annual celebration always occurs on the weekend closest to Feast Day of St. Peter, which falls on June 29. Much of Gloucester gets decorated in Italian flags and colors.
The Greasy Pole contest is a fun part of the festival in which participants must try and catch the waving flag at the end of a greased 45-foot-long telephone pole out at sea.
The Greasy Pole contest occurs immediately following the other main event, Seine Boat Races. The Seine Boat Races and Greasy Pole Contest take place on Friday, June 26 at 4:45 PM and Saturday, June 27 at 4:45 PM at Pavillion Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Getting to Gloucester
Gloucester is just a 1 hour drive or train ride north of Boston. Every summer Friday, the Commuter Rail is free for riders, meaning travel to and from the festival from North Station, completely free on Friday, June 26! Take the Rockport line from North Station and get off in Gloucester to be dropped off about 12 minutes from Pavillion Beach.
