Pennon at sea in the gulf of Pozzuoli

On the feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (patron saint of fishermen) at Pozzuoli's Molo Caligoliano a truly unusual popular event is held, the "Pennone a mare" or "Soap Pole." Suspended over the sea is placed (at 45 degrees to the quay) a large 15-meter wooden pole, greased with animal fat and on which three flags are fixed. Puteolian fishermen compete in a real balance contest, in which the winner is the one who manages to grab one of the three flags while walking on the slippery pole. The feast then continues in the small church of Assunta a Mare, where Mass is celebrated and from which a procession departs, passing through the streets of the historic center.