USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice for 2021 named Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, the Mummers Parade the Best Holiday Parade in the nation. This must-see holiday event is held each year on New Year’s Day in downtown Philadelphia. The event features thousands of costumed Philadelphia residents representing more than 40 clubs within five different divisions marching from City Hall to South Philadelphia along Broad Street. Each club puts up a performance such as song and dance routines and is judged on costumes, musicianship, presentation, and more. The day is capped by show-stopping performances by the Fancy Brigades at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This colorful and fun-filled event marks the day with its vibrancy and charm making it the perfect way to ring in the New Year with new hopes.
History of Mummer
The term ‘mummer’ goes back to medieval times and refers to wearing costumes accompanied by pulling pranks. The concept of dressing up and performing pantomimes during Christmas time was brought in by European settlers to Philadelphia in the 1600s. The first organized group of Mummers was New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Association who would sing carols door-to-door, seeking food and drink, while also firing into the air to “shoot in” the New Year. The first formal, city-sponsored Mummers Parade took place in 1901 which has evolved over time and has welcomed under-represented communities of the city.
The Parade Route
The parade starts at 9 a.m. at the Philadelphia City Hall and makes its way south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue, stopping to perform along the way. Performance areas are set up along South Broad Street, also known as the Avenue of the Arts. Once the Fancy Brigades finish the route, they head into the Pennsylvania Convention Center to perform twice for ticket holders. Their first show, the Fancy Brigade Family Show, begins at 11:30 a.m. The groups perform again at 5:00 p.m. for the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale. Attending the Philadelphia Mummers Parade is free for all. Families and fans of all ages line the streets along the parade route to marvel at the colorful costumes as the Mummers march by.
Parade Divisions
The Mummers comprise different divisions based on their ideas, inspiration, and styles of dressing and performances. The various divisions or representations are namely The Comic Division, The Fancy Brigades, The Fancy Division, The String Band Division, and the Wrench Brigade Division. The Comics are the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and trace their roots back to the ancient world, the Middle Ages, and early America. The Comics compete in a variety of categories and are judged for their costuming and presentations. It’s all about satire, mockery and light-hearted fun for this group. The Fancy Brigades perform four-and-a-half-minute mini-Broadway-style productions with massive props, scenery, and choreography inside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center at two different showtimes. As soon as the Fancy Brigades finish their first performance, they join their fellow Mummers on Broad Street before going back to perform a second time for the judges. The Fancy Division brings dazzling displays of color, form, and texture to life through
costumes and floats. The String Band division plays their own music and incorporates Broadway-style choreography along with props to perform a four-and-a-half-minute production in front of the crowd and judges at City Hall. The Wrench Brigade is the latest addition to the Mummers Parade, the Wench Brigade Division is noted for exhibiting dress-and-bloomers suits, painted faces, decorated umbrellas, and live brass bands.
Show-Stopping Performances at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
If you are one for art and culture, you must purchase tickets to watch the Mummers work their magic indoors. The Fancy Brigades hold two ticketed competitions inside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Afterparty
Festivities continue for many Mummers who return to a stretch of 2nd Street in South Philadelphia, from Washington Avenue and Snyder Avenue, referred to locally as “Two Street.” Here, the revelry continues into the evening as Mummers perform and celebrate with family, friends, and local residents, a true testament to welcoming the New Year with new hopes.
The Mummers Fun Continues
The New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Museum is another cultural attraction for visitors. One can learn about the Mummers’ unique customs, including the right way to walk or “strut,” the importance of “dem golden slippers” and the colorful costumes worn by different marching clubs and bask in Philadelphia tradition in all its glory.
