Your Saint Peter’s Fiesta 2026 Saturday Greasy Pole Champion Chase Sargent, walking for former teammate Chris Daily.
With great gobs of grease flying, Frankie Neal took the flag on the the first walk out of the second round (after the courtesy round). Reportedly, this was Frankie’s 20th time walking. Video to come <3
Each year the Cape Ann Y sponsored 5K race grows in popularity, with an additional 200 runners in 2026. The crowds cheering on friends and family are so proud of the runners and it’s a joy to see.
The Pink Princess made it to the finish line, with a little help from Mom!
Many people were wearing Chris Dailey t-shirts at the 5K. The shirts were designed to honor beloved community member Chris Dailey
These gentlemen keeping the peace and at the ready for any emergency- Thank You!
With gratitude and deep appreciation for all that the Novena Ladies do to bring this beloved tradition to the community.
Left to right – Grace Cusumano, Caryn Ryder, Nina Groppo, Jean Linquata, Anne Sanfilippo, Faye Quinlan
Each year the Novena Ladies create a new and uniquely beautiful backdrop for the statue of Saint Peter. This year’s backdrop was designed by Jean Linquata, using an old black and white photo of the Blessing of the Fleet.
The beautiful and talented Novena ladies work so hard hosting the nine days of prayers to St. Peter. Their grace and welcoming ways toward all who come make the event a joy to attend. Thank you!
Every year the stage for the events that take place at Saint Peter’s Square is stored away for the winter. The week before Fiesta, father and son team, Chris and Anthony Palazzola, along with their awesome crew, rebuild the stage. Not only that but, because it can get scuffed during storage and transporting, the entire stage is given a fresh new coat of paint.
Chris Palazzola has been rebuilding the stage every year since 1982, in charge since 1988, and Anthony has been helping as far back as he can recall. Viva San Pietro!
Left to right: Joao De Freitas, James Brown, Anthony Palazzola, Chris Palazzola, Adam Taormina, Terrance Lane, Jermain Palazzola. Standing: Scott Clayton
Thank you Sefatia for sharing!
Come one, come all! Everyone is invited to the beautiful Novena to Saint Peter, which begins tonight at 7pm at the American Legion Hall.
The Novena Ladies have been working for months organizing and preparing for the celebration. Annually, they create a brand new backdrop for the stage at the Hall. This year’s depicts the Blessing of the Fleet, which will take place on Sunday, June 28th, at 3pm. 
For every Fiesta, and under the guidance of Jean Linquata, the Novena Ladies make exquisite pins for the gentlemen to wear. On Friday night, Jean, Grace Cusumano, Anne Sanfilippo, Caryn Ryder, and Faye Quinlan were sewing, cutting, and assemblying the pins. One colorway, which changes every year, is for the Fiesta Committee members. The red, white, and green colorway is worn by the gentlemen who carry the statue of Saint Peter on their shoulders during the processions. 
Jean inherited the tradition of making the pins for the Committee members from her husband Michael’s Aunt Josie and then she added the tradition of making pins for the statue carriers. We recorded Jean sharing the story for our forthcoming documentary Saint Peter’s Fiesta. In addition to making the pins for Gloucester’s Saint Peter’s Fiesta, the Novena Ladies also make several hundred pins for Boston’s North End Feast of All Feasts, otherwise known as Saint Anthony’s Feast.
A joy to film and photograph our beautiful community. Viva San Pietro!
Congratulations to Max Allen! Max also won last year’s Friday night competition. He is the third generation in his family to win the flag, following in the footsteps of his uncle and grandfather.
Beginning at St. Peter’s Club, the Procession winds up and around the Legion Hall, ending at St. Peter’s Square. The effigy is is placed oh so gently on the stage where it will stay until Sunday morning’s procession through the City.
Come one, come all!
With love and gratitude to the Novena Ladies who each year tirelessly organize the Novena, decorate the Legion Hall and altar in a unique and beautiful way, lead the attendees in prayer and song, and nightly serve refreshments. Viva San Pietro.
Left to right: Grace Cusumano, Nina Groppo, Anne Sanfillippo, Joanne Auello, Jean Linquata, Caryn Ryder, Faye Quinlan
The 2025 St. Peter’s Fiesta Novena continues every night through Tuesday. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the Novena begins at 7:00pm. Tuesday is the very special conclusion. The Novena begins at 6:30, followed by the Mass, followed by the Saint Peter procession to Beach Court.
Oh Happy Day! What a beautiful mass and procession in celebration of Saint Peter.
As always, all images from Fiesta are free for individuals. Please email me at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com if you would like to print.
Viva San Pietro and Buona Festa <3
Congratulations to seine boat crew ZFG and Coach Paul Giacalone for a hard fought victory!
ZFG crew Gilbert Brown, Jerry Ciaramitaro, Mike Harmon, Pete Mondello, Jared Morris, Kellen O’Maley, JJ Palazzola, Alex Rodolosi, Peter Taormina, Sam Taormina, and Vincenzo Terranova
Steve LeBlanc returns to the Greasy Pole for a stellar walk!
Catherine Frontiero, first time Greasy Pole Walker, had a great walk across the pole in the first round of competition. Congratulations Catherine!
Congratulations to Derek Hopkins and the Hopkins Family! Derek is now a six time Greasy Pole Champion. Video to follow tomorrow 🙂
🙂
Despite the cold and windy rain, the Walkers persevered. Tyler Parisi, 20th in line, gave a fantastic walk in the fourth round. Congratulations to Tyler! 
Congratulations to Max Allen! He is the third generation in his family to win the flag, following in the footsteps of his uncle and grandfather.
Caffe Sicilia’s wonderfully delicious cake is much beloved 🙂
The best part of Fiesta is many generations sharing traditions and having a joyful time together <3
Buona Festa!
