Fiesta honors St. Peter

Work on Gloucester's historic waterfront goes on almost constantly _ seven days a week, most weeks of the year.

But for four days in early summer, much of the fishing industry's activity stops as the port pauses to give thanks to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.

The four-day St. Peter's Fiesta festival has something for everyone, from the outdoor Mass to the greasy pole contest held off Pavilion Beach. This year's festival will run from June 24-27.

The Fiesta, which also includes religious processions, a carnival and nightly dances is held almost entirely at or in front of an elaborate altar in St. Peter's Square, at the intersection of Washington and Rogers streets.

Fiesta also features the blessing of the fishing fleet, a Sunday parade through the city streets and a display of historic photos.

A group interested in helping the fishing industry holds a "New Fish Festival" the first night of the Fiesta and serves delicacies made from such fish as skate, herring and dogfish.

On Thursday is a "block dance" for youths. The official opening is Friday, when the statue of St. Peter is carried to the shrine.

Both weekend days also include the "sports events": races between crews of rowers in seine boats; and the greasy pole walk, where young men try to make it to a flag at the end of a heavily greased pole suspended over the water.

The races and the wildly popular greasy pole take place off Pavilion Beach, located at the end of Beach Court, right off St. Peter's Square.

The outdoor Mass takes place at the altar in St. Peter's Square on Sunday morning. The blessing of the fleet takes place that afternoon from Stacy Boulevard.

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