Greased Pole Climb & Swimming Races
A classic Mallorcan harbour spectacle: contestants try to walk a soap-covered pole over the water while swimming races for adults and children run alongside. A fun, free morning to watch or join during the Sant Joan fiesta.
Portopetro's little fishing dock turns into a comedy stage for the morning. A long pole, slathered in soap and grease, juts out over the water, and one by one the brave (and the foolish) try to walk its length before sliding off into the harbour to cheers and laughter. Almost nobody makes it, which is rather the point. Between attempts, the swimming races take over, with separate heats for grown-ups and for the little ones paddling close to the slipway.
It kicks off around half ten, and you're welcome to watch from the quayside or pull on your trunks and have a go yourself. It's free, unfussy and very much a local affair tied to the Sant Joan celebrations. Bring a towel, expect splashing, and don't wear anything you mind getting wet.
Source: https://ajsantanyi.net/ca/agenda/pujada-al-pal-ensabonat-i-cursa-de-natacio-grans-i-petits