If you’re looking for something completely different, the annual Grease Pole Festival starts today. The event is considered Buffalo’s longest running ethnic festival, and attracts people from all over the region. This is not your typical festival – the pinnacle of the event is a competition that pits teams against one another, to see who can climb to the top of a greased telephone pole. The first team member hugs the bottom of the pole with all of his might. Then the second team member climbs on his back and stands on his shoulders. This strategy continues until someone reaches the top, where prizes have been hung. Throughout the competition, spectators might be lucky to witness one team reach the top. It’s that difficult.
Aside from watching competitors climb a grease pole, visitors are treated to three days of music, ethnic food, and dancing.This is an all ages affair. Live performances include:
- Latin Grammy Award Nominee for Best Traditional Tropical Album – Pedro Jesus
- Grammy Nominated Merengue Singer – Gisselle
- The Latin Prince of Dancehall – Dynasty
- Sol y Sombra
- Son Boriqua
- Calle Uno
- Next Level
- DJ C Perfect
- DJ Mic-O
The Agustin “Pucho” Olivencia Community Center is proud to announce:
The 47th Annual Grease Pole Festival: El Palo Encebao – Presented by Gbuhan
July 8 to July 10, 2016
Olivencia Community Center Festival Grounds – 261 Swan Street in Downtown Buffalo