It’s not New Year’s Day in Philadelphia without the Mummers Parade. The beloved tradition, which has been celebrated for over 120 years, kicked off 2024 on Monday with locals strutting down Broad Street and showcasing their performances.
The Mummers Parade is more than just a procession—it’s a grand spectacle that involves months of preparation. Members of the Fancy Brigade Association, one of the participating clubs, spoke about the dedication and effort required to put on a show of this magnitude.
Mike Jacobs, representing the Fancy Brigade Association, emphasized the importance of entertaining the audience. It’s more about putting on a show for the people, he said. We get one day to do it and 364 days to prepare for it. The parade truly is a labor of love for these devoted Mummers.
The rehearsals leading up to the parade were intense, with clubs adding the finishing touches to their extravagant costumes. Anthony Stagliano Jr., a business agent for the Fancy Brigade Association, likened the process to cramming in a Broadway show. It’s like cramming in a four-and-a-half-minute Broadway show together, but it takes 12 months to put together, he explained. The dedication and creativity of the Mummers were evident in every detail of their performance.
The clubs’ efforts were complemented by a skilled team of stagehands and lighting technicians, ensuring that each performance ran smoothly. Dozens of professionals worked behind the scenes to make the parade a visually stunning experience. The audience was captivated by the production value on display, astounded by the hours of work put into perfecting every aspect of the Mummers’ routines.
Stephanie Gram, one of the attendees, marveled at the level of detail and coordination involved. It looks like it just takes hours and hours just to do it, she exclaimed. Mike Jacobs also acknowledged the collaborative effort required to make the parade a success. All the stagehand union guys that come work, the security for the center, and then all the clubs that do all of this work themselves, he noted. The Mummers Parade truly brings together various teams and individuals, showcasing their talent and dedication.
After the first round of performances, the Mummers took the show on the road, parading down Broad Street before returning to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for their final routine in front of the judges. The Mummers’ passion for performing and their joy in ringing in the new year were palpable throughout the Parade.
Although the festivities concluded on Monday, the Mummers wasted no time in planning for the next year’s event. Preparations for the following parade will begin in just a few weeks. The Mummers Parade is not only a Philadelphia tradition but also a testament to the spirit of unity, creativity, and celebration.
In this annual extravaganza, the Mummers Parade weaves together a tale of dedication, showmanship, and community spirit. Each club and performer brings their unique touch to the event, entertaining the audience and continuing a beloved tradition that has stood the test of time. As the years go by, the Mummers Parade remains an integral part of Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day celebrations—a true testament to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.
