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Category Archives: Saint Peter’s Fiesta
YOUR FRIDAY GREASY POLE CHAMPION LEO CANNAVO!!!
Congratulations to Leo and the Cannavo Family <3
NONNA, WHAT IS ST. PETER’S FIESTA?
Charlotte LOVES Nonna, What isSt. Peter’s Fiesta? and we have given it to many of her friends, and they love it ,too <3
Author Laura shares – Celebrate St. Peter’s Fiesta with your very own copy of Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta? A great book for children and adults. All proceeds benefit St. Peter’s Fiesta, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit. Available at The Bookstore of Gloucester, Main St. Gloucester.
SAINT PETER’S FIESTA OFFICIAL 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
St. Peter’s Fiesta 2022 Schedule
Tuesday, June 21
6:00 Novena
7:00 Mass
American Legion
Wednesday, June 22
7:00–10:00 p.m.
Musical Entertainment….St. Peter’s Park:
Entertainment featuring “BARRY MOONEY”
Thursday, June 23
6:30 p.m.
Fiesta 5K Road Race – with Cape Ann YMCA
Starting location Stage Fort Park,
Finish line at St. Peter’s Park.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
8:00
Entertainment, Live Music and Dance at St. Peter’s Park
Featuring ….. “WILDFIRE”
Friday, June 24
4:45 p.m.
Greasy Pole Contest…and…Women’s Seine Boat Races
Pavilion Beach
6:30 p.m.
Entertainment….Before Opening Ceremony
7:30 p.m.
Formal Opening ….St. Peter’s Square
Entertainment immediately following
8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
featuring “MORENO FRUZZETTI”
Saturday, June 25
10:00 a.m
Pavilion Beach… Seine Boat Race:
U.S. Coast Guard vs Gloucester
Fire Department and Gloucester Police Department
10:00 a.m.
Playtime performance of our Children’s story book
“Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta?”
Location: TBD
3:00 p.m.
Children’s Games…. Beach Court
4:45 p.m.
Sports Events… Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races & Greasy Pole Contest
8:00
Musical Entertainment…St. Peter’s Square
featuring “FRANCO CORSO”
Sunday, June 26
10:00 a.m.
Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER
at St. Peter’s Park
12:00 noon
Procession following the Celebration of Outdoor Mass
3:00 p.m
Blessing of the Fleet… Stacy Boulevard.
4:45 p.m.
Sports Events…at Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races & Greasy Pole Contest
7:15 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
Trophies awarded to winners of the Sports Events
8:30 p.m.
Musical Entertainment
St. Peter’s Park featuring
“ GRAZIANA LAZZARO and ELIO SCACCIO”
11:00 p.m.
Raffle Drawings and Closing Procession
St. Peter’s Fiesta Children’s Book Nonna, what is St. Peter’s Fiesta” will be on sale at the Main Stage Altar throughout the Fiesta weekend. To purchase a copy before Fiesta, email http://www.stpetersfiesta.org
All proceeds benefit St. Peter’s Fiesta.
Save the Date: Next Year….
St. Peter’s Fiesta, June 21 – June 25, 2023
“St. Peter’s Fiesta ™ ”
Copyright © 2023 St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee. All Rights Reserved.
THE GREASY POLE SHRINE IS A KNOCKOUT THIS YEAR!
Gloucester’s beloved Greasy Pole Shrine has returned after a two year absence due to Covid. The Shrine is beautiful and meaningful every year however, this year it has expanded. Eric Spear has made some outstanding improvements, including repainting and redesigning signs incorporating both Sicilian and American flags and iconography. Eric has also reprinted nearly every photo, at his own expense, and we know how high the cost of printing cartridges is currently.
Eric taking a break
It’s going to be a fantastic Fiesta!
Viva San Pietro <3
Charlotte practicing Greasy Pole moves
THE SUN RISES…HOPE SOARS
Beautiful Novena to Saint Peter
Saint Peter’s Novena continues nightly at 7pm through Monday night. On Tuesday evening, the 21st, the Novena begins at 6pm, Mass begins at 7pm.
The American Legion
8 Washington Street, Gloucester
LINK TO BEAUTIFUL MASS TO SAINT PETER AT SAINT ANN CHURCH
Saturday afternoon I had the joy to film the mass to Saint Peter at Saint Ann Church. A heartfelt thanks to Mayor Sefatia and Father Jim for the invitation. It was a joyful celebration and they would like to share the mass with the public. Hopefully we can celebrate Saint Peter’s Fiesta next year.
Viva San Pietro!
Here is the link – Mass to Saint Peter
FIESTA CANCELLED
Gloucester Daily Times
April 15, 2021
The public celebration of St. Peter’s Fiesta will be cancelled for 2021.
As headlines continue to spread the news of the COVID-19 surges in both the United States and overseas, the St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee had to make the call to cancel this year’s festivities because of the uncertainty and the potential health risk.
But the novena – the nine-day prayer service –will take place virtually again this year thanks to the efforts of the group of women who lead this effort each year. The St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee will make details known as the novena organizers’ effort evolves in the coming weeks.
“We want to keep everyone safe and we don’t want to add to the problem,” said St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee President Joe Novello. “It wasn’t an easy decision but we believe it was the only and right decision. We still have to be patient.”
READ the full story here
Although Fiesta is cancelled, the Novena will take place virtually
DEREK HOPKINS – YOUR FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY 2019 GREASY POLE CHAMP!
Note to the GP Walkers – Although there was no Greasy Pole due to coronavirus, I was hoping to have this long overdue short completed for the 2020 Saint Peter’s Fiesta weekend, just to cheer everyone up. My son broke several ribs on Friday and instead of editing over the weekend, I was taking care of my family. He’s on the mend and today was my first chance to finish editing. Better late than never I hope.
Viva!
Congratulations to 18 year old Derek Hopkins for winning Gloucester’s Greasy Pole Friday, Saturday, and Sunday competitions!
Derek is only the second walker to win the Friday, Saturday, Sunday trifecta, after Jake Wood (1999).
Derek’s Dad, Rich Hopkins captured the flag in 1996 and 1997. Derek and his Dad are the fourth father-son duo to win the flag.
Note about the music – Eh, Cumpari! or Hey, Goombadi! is a Sicilian song we hear playing often during Fiesta. Sung by Julius La Rosa and released in 1953, it is a cumulative song, in which each verse contains all the previous verses.
From wiki – a rough translation –
Hey buddy, [music] is playing.
What is playing? The whistle.
And what does it sound like—the whistle?
[vocalized instrument sound]
the whistle, [rhythm words]
.
u friscalettu = whistle [small flute]
u saxofona = saxophone
u mandulinu = mandolin
u viulinu = violin
la trumbetta = trumpet
la trombona = trombone
GREASY POLE SHRINE HONORING ANTHONY MATZA GIAMBANCO AND RUSSEL HYNES
Eric Spear’s Greasy Pole Walker’s shrine this year is dedicated to Sunday Champion Anthony Matza Giambanco and Saturday Champion Russell Hynes. Go see, very low key but moving and beautiful.
SaintPeter’s 
VIVA!
Art Haven’s Fiesta VIVA! mural!
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY NINE
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Nine is now available on YouTube.
The beautiful voices of the novena are Jean Marie Linquata, Ann Sanfillippo, Joanne Aiello, Nina Groppo, Grace Cusumano, Caryn Ryder, and Faye Quinlan
To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/eWxUHbV2WSI]
If you would like to make a donation for future St. Peter’s Fiesta, checks may be made out to: St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee
Send to: St. Peter’s Fiesta Committee
PO Box 3105
Gloucester, MA 01930
See below photos from the 2019 closing night novena and procession to Beach Court
Day Eight photos of the 2019 Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday morning procession.
Day Seven photos from Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta 2019 Gloucester Stage Production
Day Six photos from the 2019 Friday Opening Ceremony are posted here
Day Five photos from the 2019 Sunday Mass are posted here
Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here
Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here
FATHER ANTONIO’S MASS IN HONOR OF ST. PETER
For the benefit of the Fishermen community of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Preparation to the feast of the Prince of the Apostles.
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY EIGHT
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Eight is now available on YouTube. My friend Patty wrote and said she is finding listening very soothing and I couldn’t agree more. Please share.
The beautiful voices of the novena are Jean Marie Linquata, Ann Sanfillippo, Joanne Aiello, Nina Groppo, Grace Cusumano, Caryn Ryder, and Faye Quinlan
To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/WVY51yyAWM8]
Photos below of Saint Peter’s Fiesta Sunday morning procession, 2019
Day Seven photos from Nonna, What is St. Peter’s Fiesta 2019 Gloucester Stage Production
Day Six photos from the 2019 Friday Opening Ceremony are posted here
Day Five photos from the 2019 Sunday Mass are posted here
Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here
Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY SEVEN
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Seven is now available on YouTube. My friend Patty wrote and said she is finding listening very soothing and I couldn’t agree more. Please share.
To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/OusqfWG3bSA]
Photos below from Laura Ventimiglia’s Nonna, What is Saint Peter’s Fiesta? 2019 Gloucester Stage production.
Day Six photos from the 2019 Friday Opening Ceremony are posted here
Day Five photos from the 2019 Sunday Mass are posted here
Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here
Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY SIX
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Six is now available on YouTube. Please share.
To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/_hSW-zo_wS8]
Day Five photos from the 2019 Sunday Mass are posted here
Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here
Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here
The following batch of photos, “Confetti Kids,” are from the 2019 Friday night opening celebration
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY FIVE
Day Four photos from the 2018 novena are posted here
Day Three photos from the 2019 novena are posted here
The following batch of photos are from the 2019 mass at Saint Peter’s Square
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Five is now available on YouTube. Please share. To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/Kkf9bKlAmmI]
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY FOUR
For Day Three, photos from the 2019 novena were posted here. The following batch of photos are from the 2018 novena.
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Four is now available on YouTube. Please share. To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/Kkf9bKlAmmI]
Snapshots from Novena 2018 –
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY THREE
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Three is now available on YouTube. Please share. To view, click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/Gdfg1q-0oYM]
Snapshots from Novena 2019
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY TWO
Although St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day Two is now available on YouTube. Please share click on the arrow in the center of the video and share at [https://youtu.be/weYc-Ydehbo]
VIRTUAL SAINT PETER’S NOVENA DAY ONE
Although the St. Peter’s Fiesta has been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, if you would like to pray the novena to St. Peter, Day One is now available on YouTube. Please share at [https://youtu.be/Ol2_s7CajoU]
Novena Ladies, left to right: Nancy Millefoglie, Joanne Aiello, Faye Quinlan, Grace Cusumano, Jean Linquata, Caryn Ryder, Anne Sanfillippo, and Nina Groppo (2019)
SAINT PETER’S FIESTA CANCELED
NO FIESTA THIS JUNE. Possibly a smaller version in September, but more than likely not. Heartbreaking, but for the best.
Thank you to Joe Novello and the Fiesta Committee for making the best possible decision to keep our community safe <3
Joe Novello and granddaughters
Bianca
Book Launch Party for Alice Gardner’s Wonderful Saint Peter’s Fiesta Children’s Book
Over the winter, we got a sneak preview at a Good Morning Gloucester podcast of Alice’s wonderful and whimsical illustrations for her Saint Peter’s Fiesta children’s book. St. Peter’s Fiesta Gloucester, Massachusetts has been published just in time for Fiesta. Even without baby granddaughter Charlotte on the way, we would cherish a copy of this delightful book. I cannot wait to purchase ours.
St. Peter’s Fiesta Gloucester, Massachusetts is available at the The Book Store of Gloucester
located at 61 Main Street (978-281-1548). When at The Bookstore, be sure to check out Alice’s illustrations for St. Peter’s Fiesta Gloucester, Massachusetts. They are framed and on display. Each year Alice is the featured artist at The Bookstore during the month of June for her many paintings over the years of Fiesta.
Please join us for Alice Gardner’s BEAUTIFUL St. Peter’s Fiesta children’s picture book launch party! The daughter of the founder of St. Peter’s Fiesta will be reading the book. Details below. Mark your calendars! Please share!
____________
90th Anniversary Party for Saint Peter’s Fiesta
Saturday, June 17, 2017 10-11:15
Book reading: 10:30
The Sawyer Free Library
2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, Massachusetts
The Children’s Room and The Friend Room
Please join us for the debut of St. Peter’s Fiesta, a beautiful children’s book by artist and author Alice Gardner, commemorating our favorite time of year.
Sara Favazza has graciously offered to read the book to all those, young and old, who love St. Peter’s Fiesta! Sara is the daughter of Salvatore Favazza, the Gloucester sea captain who founded Fiesta in 1927 to thank Saint Peter for keeping the fishermen safe.
Preceding the reading, there will be special activities for children.
Following the reading, please stay for the book signing outside in the garden where refreshments will be served.
ST. PETER’S FIESTA OFFICIAL FIESTA PROGRAM 2016
Kathy and Dominic Nicastro
Wednesday, June 22
7:00–10:00 p.m. Musical Entertainment….St. Peter’s Park:
“Barry Mooney and The Sounds of Legends ”
Thursday, June 23
Youth 3 on 3 Basketball Tounament Time to be announced.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
6:30 p.m…… Fiesta 5K Road Race – with Cape Ann YMCA –
Starting location Stage Fort Park,
Finish line at St. Peter’s Park.
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
8:00–11:00… Entertainment, Dance and Music featuring…..
“WILD FIRE” …. St. Peter’s Park
Friday, June 24
4:45 p.m……. Greasy Pole Contest…and…Women’s Seine Boat Races
Pavilion Beach
6:30 p.m……. Entertainment….Before Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. …… Formal Opening ….St. Peter’s Square
Entertainment immediately following to 11:30 p.m…. featuring Elio Lorusso and SEABREEZE
Saturday, June 25
9:30 a.m…… Family Activity Day….Newell Stadium
For further details, contact the Cape Ann YMCA.
10:00 a.m……. Pavilion Beach…Military Seine Boat Race: –
U.S. Coast Guard vs U.S. Navy…
Gloucester Fire Department vs Gloucester Police Department
3:00 p.m…… Children’s Games…. Beach Court
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events… Pavilion Beach
Seine Boat Races..&..Greasy Pole Contest
8:00–11:30 pm. Musical Entertainment…St. Peter’s Square….
“Gian Faraone and Big Band Orchestra”
Sunday, JUNE 26
10:00 a.m…… Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER….. at St. Peter’s Park
10:00 a.m…… Celebration of MASS OF ST. PETER….. at St. Peter’s Park
12:00 noon….. Procession following the Celebration of Outdoor Mass
3:00 p.m…… Blessing of the Fleet… Stacy Boulevard.
3:00 p.m… … Concert….United States Navy Band Northeast…St. Peter’s Park
4:45 p.m…… Sports Events…at Pavilion Beach –
Seine Boat Races..&...Greasy Pole Contest
6:30 p.m…… Children’s Pinata Contest – Pascucci Court
6:30 -7:15 pm Musical entertainment.. St. Peter’s Square… featuring Jimmy Geany
7:15 p.m……. Awards Ceremony – Trophies awarded to winners of the Sports Events
8:30 p.m…… Musical Entertainment – St. Peter’s Park featuring Paul London
11:00 p.m…… Raffle Drawings and Closing Procession
Save the Date: Next Year….
St. Peter’s Fiesta, 90th Anniversary, June 21 – June 25, 2017
The 80s Greasy Pole Champions with David Foote, Steven LeBlanc Jr, Peter Frontiero, Nico Brancaleone, Jim Silva, Paul Nicastro, and Jake Wood
GREASE-FLYING-FREE-FALLING SUNDAY GREASY POLE WALKERS WITH JOE DASILVA, JACK WAGNER, MARK ALLEN, ROSS CARLSON, KYLE BARRY, AND MORE!
It’s Not Easy Being Greasy! #GreaseGang
See More Photos Here
xx