Greased pole climbing. A long-standing tradition of the festival challenges groups to work together to climb a lard-covered pole to reach meats and cheeses at the top, said festival producer Michele Gambino. Jul 29, 2024 · A contestant attempting to scale the grease pole. More specifically, it is the name of several events that involve staying on, climbing up, walking over or otherwise traversing such a pole. With two previous victories in the Italian Market Festival’s greased pole climbing competition under his belt, Longo, then 28, was going for a third, but this May 17, 2025 · The Grease Pole, or Albero Della Cuccagna in Italian, is an old tradition in which teams compete in climbing to the top of a greased pole to reach prizes of meats, cheeses, gifts, and money. The festival provides a platform for communities to come together, share their heritage, and create lasting memories. (Santiago Ortiz/Billy Penn) Philadelphians have a thing about climbing greased poles. If it is placed vertically, whoever reaches the top first and grabs the red flag is the winner. May 17, 2024 · Teams will compete in climbing to the top of a lard-greased 30-foot pole to reach prizes of meats, cheeses, gifts, and money. To complete the greasy challenge, they must replace a 'dixie cup' cap perched on the top of the Herndon Monument, with an upperclassman's hat. Oct 28, 2022 · Philly’s history with greased-pole climbing dates back to the start of the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in the 1960s. Whether it’s after a Super Bowl win, at the Italian Market Feb 9, 2025 · One of Philadelphia's most well-known sports traditions is the greasing of the poles whenever the Eagles have a chance to win a major game. Surprisingly the sporting event of climbing a greased-up slippery pole is quite common around the world. Feb 1, 2018 · After a few “Crisco cops” slathered the slippery shortening on utility poles in a failed effort to keep joyous fans from climbing them, Philly sports fans have become so synonymous with grease poles that Crisco sent thank-you cookies to city police for boosting their brand. Julian's, Malta. Don't miss the event on July 27. May 6, 2025 · The festival is also home to the greased-pole-climbing competition (you read that right), where teams of festivalgoers attempt to climb a super slippery, 30-foot-tall pole to retrieve prizes like meats, cheeses and other goodies. In the days leading up to the game, a drubbing of the San Feb 7, 2025 · While dangerous and illegal, the Philadelphia sports tradition of climbing greased street poles continues ahead of the Eagles' appearance in Super Bowl LIX. May 19, 2023 · The annual tradition is a rite of passage for 'plebes' at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, to officially mark the end of their first year and graduation to Midshipmen 4th Class. May 16, 2024 · Frankie Longo was on top of the world in 1997 — or at least on top of the tallest, greasiest free-standing pole in South Philadelphia. The Grease Pole, or Albero Della Cuccagna in Italian, is an old tradition in which teams compete in climbing to the top of a greased pole to reach prizes of meats, cheeses, gifts, and money. 30, revelers flooded the streets to celebrate another Super Bowl appearance. May 21, 2021 · Yes, you heard that right! This sport involves climbing a greasy pole! Depending upon the local tradition, the pole is either vertical or horizontal. Greasy pole, grease pole, or greased pole refers to a tall pole that has been made slippery with grease or other lubricants and thus difficult to grip. Jun 13, 2024 · The Red Bull Championship Run tasks Philadelphians with climbing a greased pole. . Here's how you Jul 19, 2024 · Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities during the Grease Pole Festival 2025, including traditional dance performances, live music, cultural exhibits, and of course, the thrilling greased pole climbing competition. May 16, 2024 · This weekend, the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns to pack seven blocks of South Philly with live music, Italian cuisine and culture, and the grease pole climb competition. Contestants clamber up a greasy pole as the traditional Gostra Festival pole climbing competition takes place in St. Report by Victoria Nwos Feb 10, 2023 · When the Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC Championship on Jan. Each year, the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns in mid-May for one full weekend. Jun 13, 2024 · Philadelphians get chance to run up greased pole for prize at 1st-ever Red Bull event The first-ever Red Bull Championship Run in Philadelphia takes place on Saturday July 27, 2024. These traditional events are essentially the same - there is a long pole covered in grease, lard, or some other lubricant, and participants attempt to climb or walk along the pole to get to the other end, where there may be a prize or flag to recover. Nov 5, 2022 · Frankie Longo, a former champion and legend of the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival’s annual grease pole climbing competition, sees novices overestimating their core strength. yqtr sndgtt swrf ldyxx ebmyj uqce qtfsrus vytuf uaymm zkskzx