Like all things Gloucester, there are many traditions in local sports. Our most unusual spectator sport is the walking of the Greasy Pole during the Saint Peter’s Fiesta, held the last weekend in June. A group of twenty five or so men take turns trying to walk a horizontal, full length telephone pole slathered with inches of grease in hopes of grabbing a flag at the end of the pole. The fact that the pole extends from a platform off shore with a drop between 10’ and 20’ (depending on the tide) adds greatly to the spectators’ entertainment.

The winner gets bragging rights, free drinks at any local bar, and a chance to participate in the champions round on Sunday. The right to walk on the Greasy Pole is handed down from father to son. The tradition itself was brought to Gloucester by immigrant Sicilian fisherman. Greasy Pole contests are held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Fiesta.