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Philadelphia's Mummers Parade

(03 Nov 2005)

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Despite a long night of partying on New Year's Eve, thousands of visitors flock into Philadelphia's streets for its annual Mummer's Parade that takes place on January 1st.

The parade is possibly one of the most extravagant and outrageous events in a city known as the creator of the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

Mummer's Parade is a more of a street party than a parade where anyone can compete in the three costume categories of comics, fancies and string bands. There are no limits or rules on what the participant can wear resulting in some astonishing sights.

At the end of the march each group is judged at City Hall and awards are given for originality, theme and costume.

Mummer's parade traces its origins to the Roman festival of Saturn where slaves were freed into the streets for a day in their master's clothes.

New Year's Day parades have been going on in Philadelphia since the birth of America, and relics of the first Mummer's parade can be found at the Philadelphia Mummers Museum on 2nd Street.



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