Every single year, on January 1st,
what is believed to be the oldest folk festival takes place. The Mummers Parade
takes place in Philadelphia, PA along 2nd Street and Broad Street and
has become the most anticipated parade throughout the year. What most people don’t
know is that the Mummers Parade is actually a competition that traces back to
the Mid-17th Century. Local clubs, or New Year’s Associations,
compete in one of four categories; comics, fancies, string bands, and fancy
brigades. These clubs prepare their costumes and moveable sceneries for months,
hoping to be the best and the winner in their category. They usually prepare in
club houses that are located along 2nd street.
There are a great deal of different clubs that partake in
the Mummers Parade, among them being the Goodtimers, Golden Sunrise, The Ferko
String Band, and the Satin Slipper. Here are a few Pictures to give you an idea
of the AMAZING art the clubs bring to life every year.
Next up, THE FANCIES!
Can we forget the STRING
BANDS? Absolutely NOT!
And last, but definitely not least, The FANCY BRIGADES
Are they not absolutely
amazing? I feel sorry for the judges that have to pick a winner. Check out last year's parade here! Don’t
forget, this parade happens every year, so don’t feel too bad if you missed it.
If you can’t wait another year, check out the Mummers Museum; it is dedicated
to capturing the spirit of the celebration so you can get a feel for what the
actual parade is like.
