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Traditional

Palosebo

Also called Greased pole climbing, Palo sebo, Greasy pole

Players take turns trying to climb a greased bamboo pole to grab the prize tied at the top.

people
4–20
time
30 min
energy
High
materials
Needs prep
Church-safe
Watch it played
What you need6
How to play4

Before you start

Set the pole firmly in the ground the day before and test it with an adult's full weight. Grease the pole from about 1 m up, tie the prize at the top, and pile soft sand or mats around the base.

  1. 1Climbers draw lots for order; one climber on the pole at a time.
  2. 2Each climber gets one attempt (or a 2-minute cap) using hands, legs and feet only — no ropes or ladders.
  3. 3Grease rubbed off by earlier climbers stays off, so later climbers get a better chance; that is part of the game.
  4. 4The first to untie the prize and climb down safely wins it.
What to say3
  1. 1“This is the palosebo — and the prize is waiting up THERE!”
  2. 2“Halfway! Don't look down, keep going, keep going!”
  3. 3“He's got it! Give it up for our champion climber!”
Host tips3
  • Too much grease and nobody reaches the top — the crowd loses interest in 15 minutes. Grease lightly and test-climb it yourself first; you want the third or fourth climber to make it.
  • Climbers slide down fast and land hard. Have two adult spotters standing at the base (not on the pole) every turn, and stop anyone who climbs while someone is still on the pole.
  • Show the prize to the crowd before tying it up. A visible envelope keeps the crowd cheering through the failed attempts.
Variants2

  • Team stack

    Teams of 3 may give their climber a boost from the ground only — no standing on shoulders above head height.

  • Kids' pole

    A 2 m pole with light grease and an adult spotter on each side, for ages 8 and up.

Safety5
  • Fall risk: cap the height at about 5 m for amateurs and keep soft sand or mats under the pole.
  • Use food-grade grease only — motor oil irritates skin and eyes and ruins clothes.
  • Check the pole for cracks and splinters and make sure it is buried deep enough not to lean.
  • Not for young children, seniors, pregnant guests, or anyone with shoulder or back problems.
  • Provide soap and water straight away; greasy hands and feet make people slip on the way off the field.
Good for

Occasions

FiestaReunion

Venues

Outdoor