New Year’s Day is one of the most festive occasions in the City of Brotherly Love, mostly because of the decadent fanfare of the Philadelphia Mummers.
The group is part of one of the city’s oldest and most unique traditions, with roots that date back centuries. Originating in European customs in which people dressed in costumes, masks, or disguises and went door-to-door performing short skits, music, or dances around the holidays, the practice was brought to Philadelphia by immigrants.
It became wildly popular during the 1700s and 1800s, and by the early 19th century, Philadelphians were already celebrating New Year’s Day by dressing up, parading through the streets, and visiting homes. The early celebrations were described as a bit unorganized and chaotic; to package everything together cohesively, the parade was officially organized in 1901…