Greater than a century of Philadelphia New Yr’s Day custom is steeped in sequins, theatrical performances, and much and plenty of beer.
On Jan. 1, greater than 10,000 fancifully dressed Philadelphians marched via Middle Metropolis within the 124th Mummers Parade, a celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions.
Hundreds extra got here to cheer the performers from the sidewalk as “The place’s Waldo?”
costumed dancers, bumblebee brigades, and a Wild West saloon float paraded in entrance of Metropolis Corridor and all the way in which right down to the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue.
Greater than 40 brigades of performers, sprinkled throughout 5 divisions of Mummery — Comedian, Wench, Fancy, Fancies, and String Band — all introduced distinctively Philly performances on the day, which dawned comparatively heat (largely within the 40s) and cloudy, with a rising wind via the day.
Households and teams of mates laughed and cheered as waves of costumed adults danced their manner down Philly’s principal hall to South Philadelphia.
As one of many oldest folks parades within the nation, the Mummers Parade will not be with no storied previous, together with a historical past of blackface and sexism. Nonetheless, since 2022, the parade has strayed from controversial and insensitive shows after present process obligatory sensitivity coaching and having all skits and performances pre-approved by town.
Check out among the scenes from the 2025 Mummers Parade.
Need to know extra in regards to the parade. Attempt our Historical past of the Mummers Parade quiz or learn up on Mummers 101: The whole lot you might want to find out about Philly’s notorious custom.
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A fancifully dressed Mummer waves to spectators as he catches a journey on the again of a float throughout the The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen at this time. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A Mummer takes a minute to regulate his costume hair whereas strolling the parade route towards the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen at this time. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
Younger followers cheer as a gaggle of “The place’s Waldo” themed Mummers sporting their signature gold sneakers dance by the crowds on Broad Road throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A Baroque-themed Mummer struts by a cheering crowd on Broad Road on Jan. 1, 2025. The 124th Mummers Parade is a generational celebration that celebrates the New Yr with costumes, floats, and coordinated dances. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A royally dressed Mummer waves to excited spectators on Broad Road throughout the 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A younger spectator smiles as troupes of Mummers cross by throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A Mummer dressed like a cowboy dances alongside Broad Road throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen at this time. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A younger Mummer dressed as a cowgirl takes a fast break throughout the stroll alongside the parade route for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade route is over a mile lengthy, and begins with performances exterior of Metropolis Corridor on Market Road and continues till the conclusion on the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue. -
Hundreds of spectators lined Metropolis Corridor and components of Broad Road for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A troupe of Scooby Doo-themed mummers stroll alongside the parade route with a string band throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A troupe of colorfully dressed mummers stroll by cheering spectators at Metropolis Corridor throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
Spectators catch beads thrown by passing Mummers as they made their manner down Broad Road for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A gaggle of notably excited Mummers dances and reveals off their physique paint as they make their was down Broad Road for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A troupe of bee-themed Mummers work together with the gang as they dance their was down Broad Road for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is considered one of Philadelphia’s most original annual traditions, and it’s the oldest steady folks parade in america. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A Mummer dances previous Metropolis Corridor throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen at this time. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A Mummer wearing a glittery shark costume waves at kids watching The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade begins with performances exterior of Metropolis Corridor on Market Road and continues till the tip of the route on the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A mummer sporting an Irish Claddagh impressed costume poses with a spectator alongside the parade route on Broad Road throughout The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade begins with performances exterior of Metropolis Corridor on Market Road and continues till the tip of the route on the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) -
A spectator on the Mummers Parade observes a vendor promoting glowing balloons alongside the parade route exterior of Metropolis Corridor on on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade route is over a mile lengthy, and begins with performances exterior of Metropolis Corridor on Market Road and continues till the conclusion on the intersection of Broad Road and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett)