Uwishunu.com

Tweet

 

Get a bird’s eye view of the parade on Broad Street from the Kimmel's balcony, open to the public. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

It’s just about time for Philadelphia’s one-of-a-kind celebration: the 111th Mummers Parade, our city’s fanciful way to ring in the New Year, where sequins, feathers, floats and music rule the day.

This special brand of revelry struts up Broad Street, starting at 10 a.m. in South Philadelphia, and heading north to City Hall in Center City, where it doesn’t end until approximately eight hours later.

Bundle up to stay warm while enjoying this unique cavalcade of five distinct performance divisions: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades.

The Fancy Brigades present short theatrical shows and rather than a full strut up Broad Street they stop at Washington Avenue then head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for ticketed shows at noon and 5 p.m. (tickets are $17, available online).

Meanwhile, the most coveted outdoor spot to catch all the fanfare is at the City Hall judging station, where division clubs perform and vie for cash prizes. Tickets for this vantage point must be purchased in advance, and they will sell out; so if you want them, act now. Seats on bleachers at City Hall cost $19 and are available in advance at the Independence Visitor Center or Fairmount Park Welcome Center.

In the week leading up to the big strut, MummersFest provides a sneak peek at what goes into the making of a Brigade. At this fun family event, you can watch clubs put finishing touches on floats, catch final rehearsals, talk to designers, make colorful crafts and even try on costumes.

The MummersFest parade is the final reward for plenty of preparation all year long by the performers, especially Fancy Brigades which craft elaborate costumes, build big props, and stage choreographed themed shows.

Don’t miss either event, both long-time Philadelphia holiday traditions, the perfect spirited way to start off 2011.

Mummers Parade
When: January 1st, 8:50 a.m. until about 7 p.m.
Where: Parade runs along Broad Street, beginning at Oregon Avenue and ending at City Hall
Cost: Free along main route; $17 for Fancy Brigade shows
More info: www.mummers.com

MummersFest
When: December 28th-30th 4-9 p.m.; December 31st, Noon-7 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 11th & Arch Streets
Cost: $4
More info: www.mummerscom/mummersfest