Italian Market Festival Grease Pole Climbing Competition

Test your strength and skills at the 2025 Grease Pole Climbing Contest! 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. Perhaps even more important to the winning team are the bragging rights... until next year.

The pole is 30 feet high, greased with lard, and you will find it at the 9th & Montrose Piazza.

Sign ups are on site the day of the climb or teams can register at the Visitor Center located at 919 S. 9th Street. Bring your friends or join the effort solo!

You may also like the following events from 9th Street Italian Market:

• Next Sunday, 18th May, 10:00 am, Procession of Saints at the Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Philadelphia, Festivals in Philadelphia.