GET READY TO STRUT! Here are some things you need to know before attending the 2024 Mummer’s Parade in Philadelphia.
The 124th Mummer’s Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024. It is set to go until around 5 p.m.
A long time ago, before the United States even existed, Swedish immigrants introduced Mummery to Philadelphia. It started in the late 17th century as an old tradition of visiting friends in the days after Christmas. It would extend to New Year’s. They celebrated by dressing up as though it were a masquerade party.
Throughout time, the activities became more official. The name, “The New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Association,” was given. Most of the participants hailed from the South Philly neighborhoods. Philadelphia made the Mummer’s Parade an official, sanctioned event on New Year’s Day in 1901. It’s taken place on that day every year ever since.
The parade is a Philly cultural staple. History traces Mummers-esque activities back to the Ancient Egyptians. We’ve kept the Mummer spirit going, and it’s still going strong. Tons of Philadelphians flock to Center City on New Year’s Day after a night of drinking and continue the fun while watching the strutting. It’s the Philly-est activity ever.
If you’re planning on going for the first time, or the first time in a long time, this year and are not sure how to prepare, use this as your guide.
Here’s what you need to know before the 2024 Mummer’s Parade in Philadelphia:
The Parade Route
The parade will start at 17th and Market then head toward City Hall before dancing down South Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Along the route, several official performance areas will be set up for the groups to perform their skits. A judging stand will be set up on the west side of City Hall at Dilworth Plaza at the beginning of the route, and performances will also take place at three locations down Broad Street — at Sansom Street, Pine Street and Carpenter Street.
How The Competition Works
Photo by William Thomas Cain
Clubs are separated into four categories – Comic, Wench, Fancy and String Bands divisions. This year’s parade will include 1 Fancy club, 9 Wench Brigades, 3 Comic clubs and 14 String Bands.
Comics wear colorful outfits and usually put on shows that parody recent events, while the Wench Brigades perform similar acts but typically add instruments. The String Bands deliver full musical performances with props and dramatic costumes.
I, Jacky BamBam, will strut in the Fancy Division with the last Fancy Club in the organization, Golden Sunrise NYA. More specifically the Handsome Costume category which is always televised first around 9 a.m.
The Fancy Brigades take part in only a portion of the parade before moving inside for MummersFest shows at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Prizes are given out in a variety of categories among each division.
Things for Your Hands
You’ll need two important things for your hands: hand sanitizer and hand warmers. Hand sanitizer for, well…just bring it. It’s always good to keep your hands clean. Hand warmers are also a MUST. It’ll be chilly and the first thing to get too chilly and stop functioning will be your fingers.
Bring Something To Drink
A flask full of…well, whatever you fancy, is a must. Let’s just say, this isn’t a sober event. But drinking isn’t your thing, make sure you still hydrate, or at least have a hot beverage to sip on to keep yourself warm!
Tickets?
Attending the parade is free. Just stand somewhere along the parade route and watch. If you’d like to, though, you can purchase tickets to sit in the seated area near the judging stand near City Hall. Those tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Independence Visitor Center. Tickets for the Fancy Brigades shows at the Convention Center start at $28 and can also be purchased through the Visitor Center.
Street Closures
Well, of course. Street closures happen all throughout Center City and South Philly. Because, well, there’s a PARADE! Here’s a link to a page dedicated to special event road closures from the City of Philadelphia.
Bring A Phone Charger
The Mummer’s Parade is long. Like, an eight-hour workday long. Your phone will start to lose juice with all of the pictures and videos you’ll take. So be suere to grab a portable charger. Keep your phone alive!
Rain Date
The rain date for the parade is Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. Just in case weather is bad. Those umbrellas are for decoration, not function, people! We can’t have Mummers with their makeup melting off! Phillies announcer Timing on the rain date would be the same, starting around 9 a.m.
Dress For The Cold
It’s January, people. It’s going to be COLD! Bundle bundle bundle. Scarves, hats, gloves, and heavy coats, please! The wind will whip you at a higher speed on those city streets, so come prepared for chills.
