Mummer’s The Word!

What is a Mummer, you might ask? I’ve lived in Philadelphia for over a year now and still grapple with the answer to this question, even after attending my first Mummer’s Parade on New Years Day 2011. History tells us that Mummers have taken on many faces since their mid-17th century roots, but the steadfast tradition of local Clubs – or New Years Associations – taking months to prepare elaborate costumes, dances and music live on to this day. Parading down Broad Street and shaking their umbrellas, Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades compete for top prize while drinking bootleg spirits from the back of the U-Hauls emblazoned with their clubs symbol. Fascinated and intrigued, my friend, Matt and I slipped right into the marching Mummers to get the full effect of this puzzling tradition. We were immediately swept into the frenzy of  friends smiling and families laughing and dancing to the music of horns and drums. Some were teenagers who for once didn’t act like they were too cool for everyone, others were Dads bringing their kids for the first time, and most looked like they had not stopped partying from the night before. Each alma mater was as loud and energetic as the next, though I still have no idea what any of them said!  I am still confounded by this strange Mummer Brigade but, whoever they are, they know how to have a good time and I know where I’m going to ring in 2012. Laughing, drinking and straight men in drag – you can’t beat the Mummer’s Parade!