The greasy pole contest starts today in Gloucester. Here's the schedule for St. Peter's Fiesta.

The greasy pole contest tradition in Gloucester, Massachusetts gets underway today as part of St. Peter’s Fiesta, drawing participants to race across a 45-foot telephone pole coated in grease. Contestants attempt to grab a flag at the far end, a challenge that has generated widespread social media videos, including slips and falls into Pavilion Beach. Organizers say injuries are possible, with past accounts including scrapes, bruises, or even broken ribs. The first contest is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Friday, with another run at the same time on Saturday and a separate competition reserved for past winners on Sunday. The broader St. Peter’s Fiesta, centered on Gloucester’s Italian-American fishing community, also includes food, live music, boat races, and an outdoor Mass with a religious procession on Sunday. The article provides a full weekend schedule, including music performances and the Blessing of the Fleet at Stacy Boulevard at 3 p.m.