37th Anniversary of the Grease Pole Festival

by queenseyes

I'm putting this out there because this sounds like a very interesting festival and I was hoping that some of our viewers might be able to shed some light on its history. The Grease Pole Festival is the area's oldest Puerto Rican festival and is held each year in July. Music at the event includes salsa, regeaton, merengue and bachata. The festivities kick off tomorrow from 6pm to midnight. Saturday the 15th the celebration continues from 12 noon to midnight, and Sunday is the final day from 12 noon to 9pm.

From what I understand, the grease pole competition is held on Sunday @ 5PM. I think that the name says it all… besides grease and splinters, the winning team is bestowed with the honor of being known as 'the team that won the contest.' Helping your teammates climb up the grease pole faster than grease lightning sounds like the trick. The Grease Pole Festival is held @ 261 Swan Street in Buffalo. Photo: Chito Olivencia, Festival Chairman.