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Get ready to start off the new year with a colorful and lively celebration at the Mummer's Parade on January 1! This annual tradition dates back to the late 19th century, when groups of performers would dress up in extravagant costumes and parade down the streets of Philadelphia. Today, the parade features elaborate floats, music, dancing, and plenty of entertainment for all ages. It's a fantastic way to ring in the new year with family and friends while experiencing a unique piece of American history. So grab your best sequined outfit and join in on the fun at this beloved New Year's Day event!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>17th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Mummer's Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>Mumming, the tradition of costumed entertainments, dates back to ancient times but started to evolve in the 17th century in Philadelphia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1876</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Parade</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first officially recognized Mummer's Parade took place.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>City Sponsorship</div><div class='timeline-text'>The city begins to sponsor the Mummer’s Parade, providing prizes for the best performances.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Comics Division Added</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Comics division was added to the parade, bringing a new style of humor and satire to the procession.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Women Officially Included</div><div class='timeline-text'>Women are officially allowed to participate in the Mummer’s Parade, although they had been unofficially involved prior to this.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Fancy Brigades Finale</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Fancy Brigades separately holds their performances in an indoor theater, becoming the parade finale.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Design your own mummer’s costume</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and design your own mummer’s costume! Use materials like feathers, sequins, and glitter to make a unique and colorful outfit that will make you stand out during the parade.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a mummer’s workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities offer workshops where you can learn how to make your own mummer’s costume or create your own props. Sign up for one and get hands-on experience in the art of mummering.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a pre-parade party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a pre-parade party! Serve traditional mummer’s parade foods like roast pork sandwiches, pickled beets, and hot apple cider. This is a great way to get into the spirit of the parade before it starts.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your house in mummer’s style</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your mummer pride by decorating your house in mummer’s style! Hang up banners, streamers, and other decorations featuring the iconic mummer’s parade characters and symbols.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join in on the parade fun</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Don’t just watch the parade, join in on the fun! Many parades allow spectators to join in at the end and become part of the procession. Put on your costume and dance along to the lively music!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a unique and fun tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mummer's Parade in Philadelphia is a one-of-a-kind event that has been celebrated for more than 120 years. It combines elements of theater, music, and dance to create a colorful and entertaining spectacle. The parade is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases amazing costumes and performances</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Participants in the Mummer's Parade spend months planning and creating elaborate costumes, floats, and routines. The result is a visually stunning and dynamic show that never fails to impress. Every year, new themes and ideas are brought to life through this creative outlet.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Mummer's Parade is a celebration of community and culture. It brings people from different backgrounds together to enjoy the festivities, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. For many Philadelphians, the parade is a cherished annual tradition that they share with loved ones.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mummer's Parade is America's oldest folk festival</h3><p class='facts-content'>Tracing its roots back to the late-17th century, the Mummer's Parade is considered America's oldest continuous folk festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The parade is organized by four divisions</h3><p class='facts-content'>The parade features Comic, Fancy, Wench Brigade, and String Band Divisions, each displaying their own unique tradition and entertainment style.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It includes a yearlong preparation time</h3><p class='facts-content'>The participants spend an entire year crafting ornate costumes, scenery, and original music to prepare for the grand spectacle of the Mummer's Parade.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participation in the parade runs in families</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Mummer's Parade involves generations of families as well as neighborhoods that participate year after year, making it a deeply-rooted tradition for many Philadelphians.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The name "Mummer" holds historical significance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Derived from early European folk play known as "mumming", the term "Mummer" means to costume or go masked, which aligns with the tradition of participants wearing elaborate costumes in the parade.</p></div></div>
Mummer's Parade is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024 Mummer's Parade will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday
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