Philadelphia Mummers Parade- Always Fun, Always FREE!!!

PHILADELPHIA (December 16, 2011) – Grandparents and babies, moms and dad, tots and teens and everyone in between are invited to line Broad Street on New Year’s Day for Philadelphia’s cherished tradition – the 112^th annual Mummers Parade.  Performance zones with bleachers offer great views of the animated, choreographed routines the Mummers work on for the entire year. More than 10,000 amateur men, women and children in colorful costumes will march, strut and twirl down Broad Street in the annual event that dazzles and delights people of all ages. 

The family-friendly affair kicks off at 9:45 a.m. at Broad and Washington and proceeds to City Hall. For more entertainment, families can head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale. High-energy shows take place at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. and are a highlight of the Parade with elaborate costumes and massive props.

“The Mummers Parade is truly a living showcase of our City’s artistic and musical talent and rich history,” said Robert Shannon, president of the Mummers Association. “Thousands of people have been bringing their families to the parade for decades. We invite first timers to never-miss-a-year fans to kick off the year with us and this only-in-Philadelphia tradition.”

The celebration will feature five divisions, each with its own artistry, sound and customs. Starting the festivities at 9:45 a.m. at Broad and Washington are the Comics who parody hot political issues and pop culture followed by the men of the Comic Wench brigades at 10:15 a.m. in bonnets and bloomers, waving multi-tiered parasols. The renowned String Bands begin at 10 a.m. at Broad and Shunk in glorious costumes, entertaining with intricate musical arrangements combining string, reed and percussion instruments. At Broad and Passyunk at 10:30 a.m. are the Fancies, who evoke a sequin, studded and feathered glamour with their lavish costumes. The Fancy Brigades finish with a theatrical flair of tightly-choreographed spectaculars beginning at 12:40 p.m. at Broad and Oregon.

Performance Zones

With bleachers, bathroom facilities and DJs at select locations, these are some of the best spots to take in the parade.  The performance zones are free to the public and located at the following cross streets along Broad Street: Shunk, Wolf, Washington, Pine and Sansom. The Kimmel Center at Broad and Spruce will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offer free, indoor children’s activities. 

For parade-goers looking for the best seats in the house, the Grand Stand entertainment zone offers the same views as the judges. It’s at a new location this year, on JFK Boulevard between 15^th and 16^th Streets. Also new this year is a Jumbotron to ensure the best sights of every performance. Tickets for these bleachers are $19 and are available by calling 215-965-7676. Tickets can be purchased at the Independence Visitors Center at 6^th and Market Streets or at the Welcome Center on 16^th Street and JFK Boulevard.  

Guaranteed seating is also available at the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale indoor showcase, described as a cross between Mardi Gras and a Broadway show. To order tickets, visit

http://www.comcasttix.com/ or call 1-800-298-4200. For more information, go to http://www.fancybrigade.com/.