魅影直播

Watch CBS News

The greasy pole contest at St. Peter's Fiesta in Gloucester starts today. Here's what to know.

2025 Greasy Pole Contest in Gloucester, Massachusetts
2025 Greasy Pole Contest in Gloucester, Massachusetts 13:48

The world-famous greasy pole contest started Friday at St. Peter's Fiesta in Gloucester. 

Videos of contestants attempting to scamper across a slippery 45-foot telephone pole that juts out over Pavilion Beach have been viewed on social media. Almost every bid to grab a victory flag at the end of the pole ends with a hard fall into the ocean.

"It is not uncommon for these daring individuals to come away with scrapes, bruises or even broken ribs," organizers say.

The winner of the contest on Friday afternoon was Joey Klyce. Subsequent rounds take place at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Winners are paraded around town, waving the flag they captured. 

97th annual St. Peter's Fiesta
Tyler Parisi screams "Viva San Pietro" after winning the greasy pole competition.  Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Last year's first-round winner, Gloucester native Max Allen, said he trained his whole life for that moment.

"You just grow up wanting to get on there, let alone win," he said.  

St. Peter's Fiesta 2025

There's more to St. Peter's Fiesta than the greasy pole contest. The celebration of Gloucester's Italian-American fishing community dates back nearly 100 years to 1927.

The for the weekend also features boat races, live music, children's games and food. On Sunday, there is a traditional outdoor Mass, followed by a religious procession through the streets of Gloucester. 

"Love & Grease," a 2023 WBZ original documentary, showcased the history and characters behind the greasy pole competition.

"It's a tradition that's been passed on for generations," 1985 greasy pole champion Tom Favazza said. "A lot of people, their fathers, their grandfathers, their uncles have done this ... it's embedded in their soul."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.