Grease Pole
Since the first rodeo organized by Os Independentes in 1956, the Grease Pole is one of the most entertaining attractions. The challenge is to grab a flag at the top of an 11 metre pole, being that 2 metres are below the ground and 9 metres are above it. Any tourist present at the Barretos Rodeo can participate. The only rule is the contestant’s body must be smooth, without the use of climbing equipment. As the name says, the pole is greased with bovine fat making the task even harder.
The Greased Pole was idealized and coordinated by Hélio Bruno Barbosa, one of the founders of the Barretos Rodeo.
The Independente and one of the founders of the Barretos Rodeo, Hélio Bruno Barbosa, alongside his grandchildren Barbara, Luiza and Guilherme during the last Typical Parade in celebration of the town´s anniversary and Barretos Rodeo in August 2004. Barbara Silva Bruno, 11 years old (pictured here in blue clothes), was the first granddaughter of an Independente and founder to take part in the Barretos Rodeo Typical Parade in 1998 on the Os Independentes Float.
Mussa Calil Neto, during the delivery of the Trophy to the Barretos Rodeo founder Hélio Bruno Barbosa in honour of the 50 years of the Barretos Rodeo.