The 2025 Italian Market Festival, in photos
Russell Smith rubs lard on the pole before the start of Greased Pole Climbing Competition.
Dylan Leahy (center), of Washington Square West, cheers for a friend competing in the Greased Pole Climbing Competition during the festival Sunday.
It’s one of the city’s longest-running festivals, and between the more than 120 vendors, live music, and of course, greased pole competition, there was no shortage of things to see and do.
Bob Craskey, of Delaware County, sits under an awning as he pauses to take in some of the festival.
A vegan tops the greased pole climbing competition, and more scenes from the Italian Market Festival 2025
Louis Flora, of Phoenixville, Pa., chomps on a roast pork sandwich from Cannuli's Quality Meats and Poultry during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Behind him is an old photo in the window for Villa Roma.
Didn’t get a chance to check out this year’s festivities? Take a look at photos from Sunday’s celebrations below.
(Left to right) Joe Mirarchi, Howie Brown, William Gambino, and a person who didn’t want to give their name watch people go by outside RIM Cafe during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
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Russell Smith hangs some of the items contestants would be reaching for in the greased pole climbing competition at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
Hunter Vaughn reacts as fellow competitors step on his shoulders during their ascent.
Hunter Vaughn (left) and Elaine DeLuca (right) dance during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival on Sunday, May 18.
Volunteers carry out the saint statues from Saint Mary Magdalen de’ Pazzi Church for the Procession of Saints event.
People pin money around the statue of a saint during the Procession of Saints event on Sunday.
A statue of Mary passes during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The Procession of Saints event passes by a pig’s head outside of Cannuli's Quality Meats and Poultry.
Visitors fill the street during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
Italian themed desserts on display at the Isgro Pastries stand.
