The Mummers have interested me since we lived in Delaware. We were visiting a park in Wilmington and one of the bands was practicing, presumably for the upcoming parade. I really liked their music so I’ve been watching them, mostly on YouTube since then.
Not the Mummers but I happened to be in the Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans when the Queen of Zulu arrived. They put on quite a show and a small parade through the airport.
That video caught me, taking pictures of them at about the 1:58 marker. I’m famous! LOL
More about the Zulu Aid and Pleasure Club at Mardi Gras time (maybe!)
Back to the Mummers Parade!
The Mummers Parade, a festive and often-rowdy tradition over 120 years old, is a remarkable spectacle in Philadelphia every New Year’s Day. On this day, 10,000 participants, including adults and children, adorn themselves in colorfully lavish costumes and parade down one of the city’s main streets, reminiscent of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This event, which starts at City Hall and proceeds down Broad Street, features diverse divisions like the Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades, each bringing a unique flavor to the parade.
Dating back to the mid-17th century, the Mummers Parade blends various European and African heritages. It began as a tradition of neighbor visits during the Christmas season by the early Swedish and Finnish settlers in Philadelphia. Over time, it evolved, incorporating customs like the English Mummers play and “belsnickling” from Pennsylvania German tradition.
The parade has been broadcast on multiple Philadelphia TV stations and even nationally, reflecting its cultural significance. Despite facing challenges like legal prohibitions in the 19th century and occasional cancellations due to events like the Spanish Flu epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade has endured and evolved, incorporating various immigrant groups over the years.
Today, the parade features clubs competing in categories with elaborate costumes and performances. Despite the financial burden, participants invest significant time and money in their preparations. The parade, which can last up to eleven hours, ends with a post-parade celebration on South 2nd Street, known as “Two Street,” where Mummers and spectators gather for continued festivities.
The Mummers Parade stands as a vibrant testament to Philadelphia’s rich cultural tapestry, combining historical traditions with modern celebrations, creating an event that’s both a historical homage and a contemporary spectacle.