The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States, and a New Year’s Day celebration that has delighted generations for more than a century. The Parade began officially in 1901, when the City of Philadelphia organized the first sanctioned event with prizes to help channel neighborhood festivities into a citywide spectacle.
But the roots of Mummery reach back much further. 17th-century European settlers who brought their celebratory customs to Philadelphia. Each New Year’s Day, groups would parade through neighborhoods singing songs, playing instruments, and reciting verses such as:
Here we stand before your door, As we stood the year before; Give us whiskey, give us gin, Open the door and let us in!
These early gatherings were lively and sometimes chaotic, prompting the city to formalize them into an organized parade. What began as a collection of neighborhood merrymakers grew into one of the most recognizable celebrations in America: The Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
The Spirit of Mummery
At its heart, Mummery is about celebration, fun, and family. It embodies the creativity, humor, and resilience of Philadelphia’s working-class neighborhoods. Over the years, Mummers have included longshoremen, firefighters, teachers, tradespeople, business owners, and students, all coming together to perform purely for the joy of it.
Today, more than 10,000 costumed adults and children participate, and hundreds of thousands of spectators line Broad Street or tune in from around the world. Golden Slippers, colorful parasols, and the cheerful strains of “Oh! Dem Golden Slippers”, the unofficial anthem of the Mummers, have become iconic symbols of New Year’s Day.
Divisions of the Parade
Over time, the parade evolved into five main divisions, each with its own unique style and traditions:
Comics – The original jesters of the parade, known for satire, slapstick, and political humor.
Fancies – Distinguished by ornate costuming and elaborate pageantry, once featuring capes stretching entire city blocks.
Wench Brigades – Large, spirited groups in the traditional “Mummers uniform” of dresses, bloomers, bonnets, and parasols.
String Bands – Musical organizations that combine intricate instrumentation, choreography, and storytelling.
Fancy Brigades – Indoor performance troupes presenting theatrical shows inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Competition and Community
Though the Mummers Parade is filled with laughter and spectacle, it’s also a fierce competition. Each band performs once before a panel of professional judges outside City Hall, with results announced on New Year’s Night.
Beyond the competition, Mummers are active year-round, performing at parades, concerts, festivals, and charitable events across the country and abroad. Clubs raise funds through performances and community events to support their yearly productions, often operating on budgets reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While every organization competes for trophies and bragging rights, they remain united in preserving a shared tradition and spreading joy through music and performance.
The Meaning of Mummery Today
Mummery continues to thrive because it is more than a parade. It is a living, breathing part of Philadelphia’s identity. Rooted in the city’s working-class neighborhoods, it has grown into a symbol of unity, creativity, and pride.
Generations of families participate side by side, passing on the tradition to their children. Mummers clubs support charitable causes, entertain in hospitals and schools, and represent Philadelphia on stages worldwide.
From its humble 17th-century origins to its 125th anniversary celebration in 2026, the Philadelphia Mummers Parade remains a testament to the city’s enduring spirit: a kaleidoscope of sound, color, and community that truly makes Philadelphia’s New Year begin here.
Learn More at the Mummers Museum
If you’re eager to explore the story of Mummery even further, make sure to visit the Mummers Museum, located in the heart of South Philadelphia.
Founded in 1976 as part of America’s Bicentennial celebration, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade. Inside, you’ll find iconic costumes, photographs, videos, and interactive exhibits, including one that teaches visitors how to “strut” like a true Mummer.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the tradition for the first time, the Mummers Museum offers a fascinating look at the artistry, craftsmanship, and community that have defined this beloved Philadelphia tradition for more than a century.
