What is the mummers parade and where will it be held in 2009?”
Mummers Parade The Mummers Parade is held each New Year’s Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Local clubs (usually called “New Years Associations”) compete in one of four categories (Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades). They prepare elaborate costumes and moveable scenery, which take months to complete. This is done in clubhouses, many of which are located on or near 2nd Street (called “Two Street” by some local residents) in South Philadelphia, which also serve as social gathering places for members. The Mummers Parade traces back to mid-17th century roots, blending elements from Swedish, Finnish, Irish, English, German and other European heritages, as well as African-American heritage. The parade is related to the Mummers Play tradition from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Revivals of this tradition are still celebrated annually in South Gloucestershire, England on Boxing Day and in parts of Ireland on St. Stephen’s Day. Swedes, Philadelphia’s first settlers, brou
