Tell me about the Mummers Parade

[Anonymous]

I have wanted to go to this New Years parade ever since I read a National Geographic article on it about 20-25 years ago. We are a family with a 10-year-old. Can anyone who's been recently talk about what it's like now and maybe any tips for viewing?

[Anonymous]

We were in Philadelphia on NYD several years ago when our kids were about that age. It was silly and very fun! I don't remember exactly where we stood, but the parade route is well published and goes through the downtown area. I think a 10 YO would love it, at least for a little while.

[Anonymous]

In Philly? It's very . . . Philly. So lots of drunk people wearing Eagles merch. It's festive and the music is great (if a little cheesy), but I don't know if your 10 y/o would enjoy sitting in the cold for it.

[Anonymous]

Dress warmly. I grew up going to it and it's fun but it's generally pretty cold.

It would be a fun day to do the mummers and then the historical stuff downtown or the Franklin Institute, if you haven't done that before.

[Anonymous]

Live in Philly now - it's just a big drunken spectacle. Not sure why you'd subject a 10 year old to it especially if the weather sucks.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5. Really? That long?

[Anonymous]

It's fun, I went once years ago. Definitely unique but be prepared for lots of loud and drunk people. It is a tradition and very Philly. Get a hot beverage and stand on Broad Street and then head to one of their great pub restaurants like McGillin's or Fergie's or North 3rd or Black Sheep.

[Anonymous]

It gets a lot louder and drunker by 5 pm, I would stick to the morning and lunchtime.

[Anonymous]

Dress warm, go early and know that you are not staying for all of it. We love the mummers parade but have never actually gone downtown to watch it in person. We have the coverage on all day at home. We watch for a bit in the morning while we eat breakfast. Then go out to do a 1st day hike or bike ride. Then come home and watch some more while we work on a puzzle before dinner.
We have friends that go every year with their young kids. They usually last until noon then go get a warm meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5. Really? That long?

Yes! It’s a huge production, sort of like Mardi Gras. People prepare their costumes/floats/dances for the entire year to show off during the parade.

That said, you don’t have to stay for all of it. It’s freezing that time of year.

[Anonymous]

It'll be cold and drunk.

[Anonymous]

Get a hotel room along the route so you can duck in and out.

[Anonymous]

I would highly suggest getting a hotel on the parade route. Go watch the performances of the string bands in the judging area if possible and then watch the brigades from your hotel ( Those are the drunk guys but its fun and silly) We are considering taking our kids this year too but will make a last minute decision based on weather.

[Anonymous]

I live in the area and grew up in Philly and have never been, nor have my family and friends, fwiw. Some of this is classism, I think (Philly is tribal), but my sense is it’s a certain group of people, super drunk, with a fair amount of racism thrown in. And public urination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I live in the area and grew up in Philly and have never been, nor have my family and friends, fwiw. Some of this is classism, I think (Philly is tribal), but my sense is it’s a certain group of people, super drunk, with a fair amount of racism thrown in. And public urination.

Sorry, I sound like a snob—trying to give context for this parade. It’s a Philly thing but not an inclusive Philly thing. Look up some of the articles on recent racist and homophobic incidents before you decide to go.