Grease pole philadelphia Feb 9, 2025 · The 2018 Eagles' Super Bowl victory cemented “grease the poles” in Philly sports culture. (Katherine Kuo) While Philly police still want fans to stay on the ground this weekend, Michele Gambino has a different suggestion: Go ahead and climb away — but just wait until May. The last few times the city has greased up the poles in anticipation of a major celebration on Broad Street, our teams have let us down. Greased with lard, teams will be able to compete for prizes (like meats, cheeses, gift cards and money) by making their way and hanging from the top of the pole—and it’s definitely not as easy as some might think. Plus bragging rights — and training for Feb 1, 2018 · Competitors in the greased pole challenge at the Italian Market Festival in 2017 reach the prizes at the top. " Jun 14, 2024 · Every year in Philadelphia, people try to climb a 10-metre pole greased with lard in order to snag prizes, including fine Italian meats and cheeses. Thousands rushed 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. 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. Sources say the young man has died. Jun 14, 2024 · Red Bull is testing out Philadelphia's dominance in this town's ultimate sport: greased poles. Read more HEATHER KHALIFA / HEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer. Jun 13, 2024 · PHILADELPHIA — A greased pole to many people is just that, a slick and slimy rod they have no interest in. Jan 29, 2025 · An 18-year-old man who was celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game on Sunday has died after he fell from a light pole during the May 23, 2022 · Hundreds of people came together this weekend to celebrate a hallowed Philadelphia tradition: watching people shimmy up a lard-greased pole for fame and fortune (where fortune is defined as gift Jan 27, 2023 · PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Philadelphia Police officer greases a traffic light pole as security measure for Super Bowl LII fans on February 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. May 16, 2024 · Philadelphia's annual Italian Market Festival makes its return this weekend with food, fun, culture and a giant greased pole By Kaamil Jones • Published May 16, 2024 • Updated on May 20, 2024 Jan 27, 2025 · CBS Philadelphia's cameras caught one man participating in a Philadelphia tradition: pole climbing. This year's game was so successful that only Jan 28, 2025 · An 18-year-old Philadelphia Eagles fan is in critical condition after falling from a light pole following the team’s recent playoff win. Bucks County softball teams wrap up district playoffs with championships Jul 29, 2024 · The greased pole competition at Spruce Street Harbor Park featured 100 contestants, lots of hilarious fails, and an eventual champion. May 13, 2024 · A group of men with Pace Roofing LLC compete in the grease pole contest at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 21, 2022. I'm not totally sure but I don't think they even had to really grease it, it's just slippery when wet and spins all over the place if you try to grab it 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. 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. Jan 27, 2023 · Philadelphia Police officer greases a traffic light pole as security measure for Super Bowl LII fans on February 4, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Each year, the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns in mid-May for one full weekend. Video of the fall has been obtained by FOX 29. That's right, Philadelphia's favorite sports celebration is now a competition and it even Prior to big wins, city officials greased the poles, including during the Eagles 2023 Super Bowl run. Feb 7, 2025 · Forever tied to the greatest moment in Philadelphia sports history, pole climbing enshrined itself in the city’s culture and “grease the poles” became a rallying cry uttered whenever a Philly team nears a championship. The Jan 27, 2025 · But she completely redeemed herself this week when the city opted to not preemptively grease the lightpoles around the city. It didn't work. Fueled by the cheers (and jeers) of the crowd, competitors will have to test their speed, balance and will, to grab the flag at the end of the pole. City officials greased the poles earlier, but it didn't matter. Jan 28, 2025 · Police begin to disperse Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrating on South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Sunday Jan. Feb 10, 2023 · Greased-pole climbing has a decades-old legacy rooted in the city’s Italian immigrants, best witnessed at the annual grease pole climb in South Philly. May 16, 2025 · Philly's Italian Market Festival is May 17 and 18, 2025. Here are details on a weekend of food, fun, culture and a giant greased pole. The format is simple: grab the flag and your in Jan 28, 2025 · An 18-year old Eagles fan has died after he was on life support after falling from light pole in Philadelphia after the NFL's NFC Championship game. The Inquirer did a story on it back in October. The Phillies in the 2023 NLCS. Feb 10, 2023 · Eagles fans don't care Philadelphia habitually greases the light poles in Center City to keep jubilant fans earthbound after a big win. The Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. 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. Feb 10, 2025 · Pole climbing is now a tradition in Philadelphia celebrated as hometown pride. PHILADELPHIA - A night of Jan 27, 2023 · The mayor's office said that the Philadelphia Police Department "will institute the practice of 'greasing poles' as a deterrent for climbing poles and light fixtures. 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. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church with the Procession of Saints, led by One more competition to check out on an Olympics-packed weekend: Saturday's Red Bull greased pole contest. The tradition has origins in Italy, where it is known as the “Albero Della Cuccagna,” and tests the mettle of those brave enough to try. Tyler Jul 13, 2024 · July 13, 2024 Red Bull to host greased pole race in Philadelphia this summer The energy drink company's 'Championship Run' will have competitors run up poles to grab a flag at Spruce Street Harbor Jan 27, 2025 · What started as a yearly competition to climb a greased pole at Philadelphia's 9th Street Italian Market has turned into a tradition reserved for big Philly sports wins. For its part, Philly did not grease its poles in Center City ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship. City police didn’t start greasing poles until the Phillies 2009 World Series run, “to discourage and mitigate illegal and dangerous behavior, as well as for the safety of revelers,” said police spokesperson Officer Tanya Little. Parker’s administration, did not grease the poles in 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. Fans sometimes treat these safety measures like a dare. Climbing a greased pole during the Italian Market Festival, or after a sports victory, indicates community and city passion. Why it matters: It's the crème de la crème of Philly's greased pole community duking it Feb 10, 2023 · In an attempt to prevent climbing by Eagles fans, Philadelphia police officer Raul Pinto applied "grease" - actually, hydraulic fluid - to a light pole near City Hall before the team beat the 49ers in the league championships. The big question before the game remains: Will the city grease the poles to enhance safety measure? NBC10’s Aaron Baskerville reports. Philadelphia has a strong Italian heritage that seems to translate into pole climbing because of our cultural background The Italian market in philly has had a tradition for years where meats and cheese were kept at the top for the lucky few were climbed to the top. They won on their second attempt to climb the pole and grab the meat and cheese hanging on top. 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. Read more Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer The festival, typically held in June, includes religious ceremonies, food, music, and various traditional games, with the greased pole climb being a central event. The phrase became a rallying cry for sports fans, signifying both the excitement of the moment and the 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. Instead, the city opted to build makeshift corrals. More specifically, it is the name of several events that involve staying on, climbing up, walking over or otherwise traversing such a pole. Why it matters: The sports drink and sports events company better pack the extra greasy grease because Philadelphians have wings in this contest. But to Philadelphians, a greased pole is a challenge and call to action. PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Greased poles never deter passionate Eagles fans, especially after a victory like Sunday’s 55-23 home win over the Commanders for the NFC title. Get your daily rundown of Philly happenings in less than 10 May 21, 2018 · The grease pole tradition continued on Sunday in South Philadelphia, but this time in a sanctioned competition at the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival. WHYY Jan 28, 2025 · The Royal Sonesta did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding its pole greasing ahead of the Super Bowl. (Joseph Kaczmarek for WHYY) This story originally appeared on 6abc. The Eagles on Sunday defeated the NFC East rival Jan 27, 2023 · The Philadelphia police are trying to dissuade Eagles fans from going overboard on Sunday. But the practice first made national Jan 29, 2025 · PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An 18-year-old Temple University student died Tuesday after he fell from a light pole during celebrations after the Eagles NFC Championship win over the weekend. Why does Philadelphia grease the poles? Simply put, major sporting events lead to intense emotions. Perhaps even more important to the winning team are the bragging rights… until next year. The morning kicked off at St. A man in a Jalen Hurts midnight Jan 23, 2025 · Are you ready for Sunday's NFC Championship Game? From plans for parking restrictions, to road closures and maybe even greasing the poles: The city of Philadelphia is preparing. The city has yet to say if it will grease or corral before the Super Bowl. The Event: The greased pole, usually a tall wooden pole smeared with grease, has various prizes attached to the top. Jan 29, 2025 · An 18-year-old fell after climbing a pole while celebrating the Eagles win on Sunday. Participants, often working in teams, attempt to climb the Jan 29, 2023 · The city of Philadelphia greased light posts ahead of the NFC championship game to deter fans from climbing them. "Don’t climb the poles, greased or not greased, please don’t climb the poles Feb 10, 2023 · The city doesn't grease every pole, but the ones on Broad Street, close to City Hall, get lubed up. There were plenty of street vendors and food to be enjoyed, but t An 18-year-old man is on life support after falling from a light pole Sunday in Philadelphia as Eagles fans celebrated the team’s NFC Championship win over the Commanders in the streets Nov 5, 2022 · The Catholic schools Longo and his peers attended in South Philadelphia didn’t offer much rope climbing or other phys ed staples that would help prepare for the annual grease pole contest at 9th Jun 12, 2024 · South Philadelphia's Italian Market Festival wrapped up almost four weeks ago, but the meat and cheese from the greased pole tradition remain hanging at the top. Officials have begun greasing light poles in anticipation of a potential Phillies NLCS victory. That area becomes the beating heart of victory celebrations when local sports teams win. But the city, under Mayor Cherelle L. Police said that they will be greasing light and traffic poles to prevent them from being climbed during what may be a raucous celebration if the Eagles beat the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. ( Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images The Eagles got the victory 55-23 over the Commanders after putting together a great performance that showed everything about an NFC team that started the season 2-2 and found its way to finish the May 14, 2025 · And lastly, but most certainly not least, the 30-foot high grease pole will be onsite again both days. May 18, 2025 · Thousands stepped out in the sunshine for the annual Philadelphia Italian Market Festival on Sunday for cannoli, pizza, and Aperol spritzes as they celebrated the beloved South Ninth Street destination. Oct 23, 2022 · At the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival grease pole contest, prizes like cheese, olive oil, and sausage await any team that makes it to the top. Philadelphia Eagles fans are notorious for their pole climbing tradition following major sports event victories. An 18-year-old man has died after he Oct 22, 2022 · In this January 2018 file photo, a greased pole stands near the intersection of Broad and Shunk Streets in South Philadelphia amid Eagles fever. Jan 25, 2025 · Will Philadelphia grease poles? Managing Director Adam Thiel issued a brief warning to potential pole climbers. How it works: Runners will compete in heats of 20, laying it all on the line as they clamber up the slick stick to grab the flag. Jan 29, 2025 · A Temple University student died after climbing and then falling from a pole in Center City while crowds were celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles' win in the NFC championship Sunday night, sources Jan 29, 2025 · An 18-year-old college student has died after falling from a light pole in Philadelphia, when Eagles fans took to the streets en masse on Sunday night following the NFC Championship win against May 15, 2025 · “Grease pole climbing is an old world tradition where back in the day and across Europe poles would be greased, but the poles would be over a body of water usually,” Gambino explained. Jul 26, 2024 · Driving the news: The energy drink company enlisted 76ers' DJ Ghost to liven up the inaugural Championship Run as 100 Philadelphians try capturing the flag by sprinting up a greased pole. As the Eagles prepare to battle the Chiefs for a championship in Arizona, here’s what you need to know about why the poles will be greased in Philadelphia. As expected, Eagles fans went wild in the streets Sunday night May 12, 2025 · Greased Pole Climbing Competition: A fan favorite, the albero della cuccagna challenges teams to climb a 30-foot lard-slicked pole for a chance to win cash, meats, and cheeses. Whether the result is a win or a loss, the magnitude of a Super Bowl can result in fans At my pool as a kid we had the greased watermelon game (had to get it out of the pool). The contest takes place both days at Ninth and Montrose Streets. 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 The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival took over South Philadelphia over the weekend. Jun 13, 2024 · Red Bull has just about come up with the perfect event for Philadelphians -- a run up a greased pole. 26, 2025, after the Eagles won the NFC Championship by defeating the Commanders. . Jan 30, 2023 · A police officer greased a pole Sunday on the outskirts of City Hall and the city placed barricades in so-called "key locations" to help control would-be unruly fans. lms jcwl ypsny jat kkctvuhd eqowoj fmnic xzs ent oauc