What happened to the Mummers Parade?
In July of 2020, Kenney issued a moratorium on all large public events through the end of February 2021, thereby canceling the 2021 Mummers Parade, which would have taken place on January 1st. It was only the third time in Mummers history that the parade was canceled — the last time being way back in the 1930s.
Are Mummers a Philly thing?
January 1st is a day that belongs to the Mummers in Philadelphia. New Year’s Day is filled with their partying in Center City and South Philadelphia. “The Mummers Parade, one of the longest running traditions in the nation, has roots dating back to the 1800s as a celebration of the New Year in Philly.
Why were mummers given food and drink?
They’re best documented during the medieval period, where the mummers’ play was a popular pastime for the poor. As time went on, the mummers began to beg for food or drink from those in the area after performing a skit (often satirical) or poem.
How much does it cost to be in the Mummers Parade?
For a 65-person troop, the total cost can be around $100,000, with the most expensive costumes costing around $10,000 a pop. It’s more than a parade. It’s a competition. Mummers don’t just parade down the street, pack up their stuff, and go home.
Did they have the Mummers Parade 2020?
A scene from the 2020 Mummers Parade, which is canceled this year due to the coronavirus.
Why are they called mummers?
However, the word Mummer can be traced back to ancient Greece. It is derived from Momus, the personification of satire and mockery. It’s also found in an old English word mommer, which relates to miming, masking and frolicking.
Why are they called Mummers?
The Mummers derive their name from the Mummers’ plays performed in Philadelphia in the 18th century as part of a wide variety of working class street celebrations around Christmas. The Mummers continued their traditions of comic verse in exchange for cakes and ale.
When was the last time the Mummers Parade was Cancelled?
The official parade has been cancelled only thrice during its history. One happened in 1919 as a result of the aftermath of World War I; another occurred in 1934 due to the effects of the Great Depression and a lack of prize money; and 2021 on grounds of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will the Mummers march in 2021?
Rogue, maskless Mummers kick off 2021 with ‘protest’ through South Philly. For the first time in decades, the new year has dawned in Philadelphia without a formal Mummers Parade to accompany it. Mayor Jim Kenney canceled the parade in July out of concern about the pandemic.