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If you happened to miss the annual New Year's Day Mummers Parade, or just want to experience "Mummery" throughout the rest of the year, be sure to check out the Mummers Museum.
The Mummers Parade is a signature event that is synonymous with Philadelphia dating back to December 1, 1901. The Mummers Parade is a time honored family tradition in Philly, and the Mummers are iconic to Philadelphia just like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, soft pretzels and Philly Cheesesteaks.
There are five different divisions in the Mummers Parade including:
- The Comics offer a satirical look at current events and famous people
- The Wench Brigades also offer a satirical look at current events and famous people
- The Fancies dazzle with glitzy costumes
- The String Bands energetically play various instruments including banjoes, saxophones, percussion and string instruments
- The Fancy Brigades offer choreographed theatrical extravaganzas
Every year hundreds of thousands of people watch the Mummers Parade in person or on TV. Mummers spend the whole year practicing dance and music routines as well as designing and making extravagant feather and sequin-adorned costumes for the New Year's Day extravaganza.
The Mummers Museum preserves and interprets the Mummers uniforms, songs and memorabilia of the past and explains the many customs of the various Mummers clubs.
Visitors to the Mummers Museum can try their hand at composing their own Mummers Medley and learn the Mummers Strut. Additionally, you can watch video highlights of past parades.
The Mummers Museum was established in 1976 as part of America's Bicentennial Celebration, and it celebrates a centuries-old Philadelphia tradition, which can be traced back to English settlers who brought to the Colonies their Christmastime custom of dressing in costume and performing pantomimes.
The Museum is home to annual summer concerts and also offers a gift shop.
Additional Information
Mummers Museum
1100 South 2nd Street (2nd Street at Washington Avenue)
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215.336.3050
