Mummers Parade

View on map

Carnival & ParadePhiladelphia

DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking

DurationWinterEstimate from available data

Crowd-Public scale varies

Best forMasks, paradesThe parade's roots reach back to

LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD

CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type

The story

Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

The Mummers Parade is an annual New Year's Day folk parade through Philadelphia, first officially held in 1901 and now the longest continuously running folk parade in the United States. Local clubs organized as Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades march up Broad Street in elaborate, months-in-the-making costumes, ending in the unofficial after-party along South 2nd Street, known locally as Two Street.

The Mummers Parade's roots stretch back further than the United States itself.

Your trip starts here

What is special

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The parade's roots reach back to mid-17th-century Swedish and Finnish customs of costumed New Year's visiting, later blended with English Mummers' plays and Pennsylvania German belsnickling traditions

The mystery stays covered

Its signature tune, James Bland's Oh, Dem Golden Slippers, was introduced in 1903 and still accompanies the strutting Comic clubs

The city starts moving

String bands, limited to unamplified strings, reeds, and percussion, evolved from military-drill formations into elaborate theatrical productions after Uptown String Band's Broadway-style 1976 performance changed the format

The water draws everyone in

The parade has been cancelled only three times in its history, for the 1919 Spanish flu epidemic, the 1934 Depression, and the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, and its history also includes a documented, difficult legacy of blackface use that clubs formally banned in 1964

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Mummery traces to 17th-century Swedish and Finnish settlers who visited neighbors in costume between Christmas and New Year's

Water and renewal

Living ritual

reciting rhymes in exchange for food and drink

The sacred route

Living ritual

a custom that merged with English Mummers' plays and Pennsylvania German belsnickling over the following two centuries

The local code

Living ritual

The comic strut

Tradition 5

Living ritual

arm-pumping dance historically called the Mummers' Strut or 2 Street Strut

Tradition 6

Living ritual

descends from the 19th-century cakewalk

Tradition 7

Living ritual

James Bland's 1903 tune Oh

Tradition 8

Living ritual

Dem Golden Slippers became the parade's unofficial anthem

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

For Mummers Parade, plan transport around the exact Philadelphia venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

New Year's Day in Philadelphia is typically cold, often in the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit with wind chill along the open blocks of Broad Street, so heavy winter coats, thermal layers, insulated...

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

For Mummers Parade, stay near the part of Philadelphia you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.95 N, 75.16 W Open in Google Maps

Philadelphia, PA

Nearest airportPHL — Philadelphia

TransportFor Mummers Parade, plan transport around the exact Philadelphia venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

Stay areaFor Mummers Parade, stay near the part of Philadelphia you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Philadelphia via local transport.Search routes Find a place to stayStays near Philadelphia, close enough for the event-day route.Browse stays Find flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare fares Festival gearNew Year's Day in Philadelphia is typically cold, often in the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit with wind chill along the open blocks of Broad Street, so heavy winter coats, thermal layers, insulated waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat are essential for a parade that can run most of the day. Hand and toe warmers are worth carrying for standing curbside for hours, and waterproof outer layers help if snow or rain forces a postponement to the following weekend.Shop the kit Check visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rules Travel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mummers Parade?

Mummers Parade is listed for January · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mummers Parade take place?

The festival is listed in Philadelphia, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Winter is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Philadelphia, PA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLphiladelphiamummersparade.com

Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →

SourceSource link available

Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January

Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →

Mummers Parade

Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

The part that makes it specific.

The place changes

The mystery stays covered

The city starts moving

The water draws everyone in

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Water and renewal

The sacred route

The local code

Tradition 5

Tradition 6

Tradition 7

Tradition 8

Essential information

When to go

Getting around

What to wear

Safety

Where to stay

Tickets/cost

Language/currency

Family friendly

Philadelphia, PA

Your Trip Starts Here

Quick answers.

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

Continue the route.

Fiesta San Antonio

Ojude Oba Festival

Panama Carnival

Sao Paulo Pride Parade