Mummers Parade

Have you ever seen the Mummers Parade? It blows the Mistress mind that for the most part these are a group of straight men performing down the streets. It looks like a drag show with all the feathers and sequins and the make-up!



The Mummers tradition dates back to 400 B.C ,where Latin laborers marched in masks through out the day of satire and gift exchange. This included Celtic variations of trick-or-treat and Druid noise makers to drive away demons for the New Year. Reports of rowdy groups "parading" on New Years in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800's. January 1, 1901 was the first official parade. The Mummers Parade is a celebration of the New Year,but is also serious business in Philadelphia. Clubs work year round on their costumes and practice on their routines, for their day in the sun (...or wind,rain or snow.) There are many lively discussions over the scoring by the judges and adherence to the complicated sets of rules the marchers must follow when being judged. String bands are judged on there musical presentations as well as costumes. Some Mummers have been a Mummer as early as 3 and 4 years old and have many members of there family involved. Seeing and hearing a Mummers Parade is a one of a kind experience.