Happy New Year -- hope you all had a safe and memorable holiday season! Our New Year's celebration consists of the usual champagne-and-friend-filled festivities, but it also includes a beloved local tradition -- the Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
This is a Mummer. It is also my husband.
These are his “Golden Slippers”. We go through a lot of gold glitter spray in this house.
Every year since 1901, thousands of residents strut and strum up Philadelphia's Broad Street in a grand parade on New Year's Day. Thousands more line the streets to watch the spectacle unfold.
Mummers Parade, circa 1920s
The Mummers Parade is a HUGE deal in Philadelphia. Most of the participants practice and prepare for months for the big day. The costumes are elaborate. The musical productions are boisterous. All sets, ensembles, and productions are designed and funded by the individual club participants. Think Mardi Gras with a little extra bling (and soft pretzels).
The parade has five divisions, ranging from Comics to String Bands. Each club is judged and the winner receives a monetary prize, although bragging rights are the real reward.
As a surprise at our wedding reception fifteen years ago, I secretly hired a Mummer String Band to perform and made sure Mr. VJIMT had his golden slippers (and strutting umbrella).
Golden Slippers and a Tux, 1996
Native Philadelphian Kevin Bacon headlined a benefit concert when a tight city budget threatened the event. There's even a museum.
And vintage record albums.
I was thrilled to find (and purchase) this vintage (1957) Mummer photo two days ago on Etsy.
So now that the festivities are over, I’m looking forward to getting back into a routine, building up my Etsy shop, meeting more bloggy friends, and other vintage fun! Happy 2011!
{You can watch the 2011 Mummer String Band winner here.}
Such memories you arise. I have never been to Philly (or anywhere near) but Mummers are well known here in the midwest. This brought up memories of my father. He loved a good parade and any sort of fun entertainment. Of course I love the colors. Did not know about the museum.
Posted by: dogsmom | 07 January 2011 at 07:49 AM
Good thing I've already met Paul, or I'd think y'all were NUTS. That's great what you did for a surprise at the wedding!
Posted by: sue | 04 January 2011 at 12:48 AM
I'd never heard of this, Gina...looks like great fun! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Posted by: Linda | 03 January 2011 at 11:12 PM
I have a BFF from Philly and she never told me about this important cultural event, for shame! :) Fascinating to read about, I would love to visit the museum!
Posted by: Van | 03 January 2011 at 03:05 PM
Ah, you made my heart sing with these photos. It has been too many years since I saw a Mummer's Strut. It is very difficult to teach your children the importance of the strut when they have never seen a Mummer! For years my mom had a fabulous Mummer's costume in our basement. She had rescued it from the trash. Of course it is a wickedly cold parade to view in person when one does not have the benefit of the Mummer beverage of choice...!Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Carrie @ Junque Magnet | 03 January 2011 at 02:56 PM
Terrific blog, Gina!
Posted by: Anthony Canamucio | 03 January 2011 at 11:10 AM