A Landmark Year for Philadelphia: The Mummers Parade Returns
The Mummers Parade is set to ring in 2026 with unmatched spectacle, swagger, and history as Philly celebrates the 125th anniversary of this legendary New Year’s Day tradition. When the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade steps off at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and it will officially launch the city’s historic lineup of 2026 events leading into America’s 250th anniversary.
This year’s celebration is anchored by returning Title Sponsor Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, whose continued support ensures that the Mummers Parade remains a world-class event accessible to fans across the region and beyond. Stretching from City Hall south to Washington Avenue until 7:00 p.m., the parade transforms Broad Street into a stage where Fancies, Wenches, Comics, and String Bands bring Broadway-level productions to the streets.
Seats in the judging area at City Hall and Dilworth Plaza can be purchased through the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets or online. Special viewing zones at 17th & Market Streets and along Broad Street at Samson, Pine, and Carpenter Streets offer prime vantage points for the parade’s most elaborate performances. The parade will broadcast live across local broadcast channels and streaming platforms.
The Mummers Parade: 125 Years of Tradition, Community, and Philly Heart
Dating back to European immigrant street customs of the 17th century, the Mummers Parade is deeply woven into the civic DNA of Philadelphia. What began as neighborhood revelry—complete with costumes, chants, and the infamous pepper pot rhyme—was formalized by the city in 1901 with cash prizes and awards. Over time, the parade evolved into today’s four iconic divisions: Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades.
While monetary prizes faded, passion did not. Mummers now compete for reputation and glory, driven by artistry, camaraderie, and community pride. What has always set the Mummers Parade apart is its ability to evolve while staying rooted in the creative spirit of working-class Philadelphia.
Inside the Mummers Parade 125th Anniversary Celebration
With 1 Fancy Club, 10 Wench Brigades, 3 Comic Clubs, and 14 String Bands, the 2026 Mummers Parade lineup is one of the most dynamic productions in its 125-year history. Audiences can expect a blend of tradition, satire, sequins, saxophones, and storytelling—an unmistakably Philly fusion of artistry and grit.
Fans can visit the String Bands’ staging areas starting at 11:00 a.m. along Market Street (17th–21st Streets) and JFK Boulevard (17th–20th Streets) to watch the performers rehearse their final formations and costume details before stepping into the judging zone at City Hall.
On-air hosts Larry Mendte and Dawn Stensland return, joined by Megan McFarland covering the Comic, Wenches, and Fancy divisions, and Jim Donio providing deep expertise for the String Bands. Mummers Museum curator Mark Montanaro and String Band Association President Sam Regalbuto will contribute insider commentary throughout the broadcast.
To commemorate the 125th anniversary, limited-edition merchandise—including a holiday ornament, parade plushie, and exclusive t-shirt—will be available at PhiladelphiaMummersParade.com and at Shop Live! at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Sponsorship opportunities remain open, and donations to support the parade’s nonprofit operations can be made through donatemummers.com.
This year’s double milestone—125 years of Mummery and the kickoff to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations—positions the 2026 parade as one of the most meaningful in its long history. As part of the citywide 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative, the Mummers Parade will also be recognized as the first official folk parade in America during a special event on January 10, 2026, at the Mummers Museum.
Congrats, Mummers! Keep on struttin’!
About Post Author
Discover more from dosage MAGAZINE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.