. . .

Tomorrow, unless officials change plans due to weather, Fralinger and several other bands and brigades will parade down Broad Street in Philadelphia for the 118th Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day.

Finding the true source of how the Mummers Parade began is as complicated and elusive as reloading the SEPTA Key. The annual event dates to European folk festivals, and although known as a deep South Philly tradition ingrained in Irish and Italian communities, some in the Jewish community have paraded along Broad Street for decades.

January 1st is a day that belongs to the Mummers in Philadelphia. New Year’s Day is filled with their partying in Center City and South Philadelphia.
But why? What exactly is a Mummer? How did the parade start? We’ve found the answers for you.

We’re #1! Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade has been named America’s No. 1 Holiday Parade by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice 2017.

“The Mummers Parade, one of the longest running traditions in the nation, has roots dating back to the 1800s as a celebration of the New Year in Philly. The colorful procession along Broad Street features performances by comics, string bands and fancy brigades in their spectacular costumes,” USA Today wrote.

According to the Mummers Museum, the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. And although we traditionally associate Mummers as having their roots in the neighborhoods of South Philadelphia, there continues to be a large contingent of Mummers right here in Chester County, thanks to Bud Emig of Phoenixville.

It’s the first time Burlington County Special Services Students are meeting real, live MUMMMMMMMMMERS!
Let’s get struttin’!

With the Uptown String Band entertaining with its meticulous choreography and colorful sequined costumes, the East Norriton holiday parade crowd may feel like New Year’s Day has arrived a little earlier than expected this year.