A very glittery Mummer blows a horn while performing at the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)

While most of the city had yet to open their eyes to the new year, thousands of Mummers were up early in Center City, preparing to strut down Broad Street for their annual parade on New Year’s Day.

Each year on Jan. 1, the century-old Mummers Parade brings a reported 10,000 marchers to the streets of Philadelphia for what is considered the oldest folk parade in the country. The annual New Year’s Day event is an unavoidable piece of Philly’s history.

Mummers derive their name and mission from Momus, a character from Greek mythology known for satire and mockery. With around 40 “clubs,” made up of five divisions — Comics, Fancies, Fancy Brigades, String Bands and Wench Brigades — the possibilities of costumes, themes, and topics to lampoon or celebrate are endless.

Each crew and solo performer comes up with a unique act or performance for the parade. Some of this year’s group and costume themes included: Starry Night, Scarecrow Daze, The Witching Hour, and Alien Invasion. 

In the past, the parade’s skits and displays have drawn complaints about racism and sexism, resulting in Mummers undergoing sensitivity training and having all skits and performances needing pre-approval from the city since 2022. 

Despite a controversial past, thousands show up to catch a glimpse of the troupes dancing their way along the route with colorful costumes and floats.

Check out some scenes from the parade below:

Two marchers for the Golden Sunrise Fancy Division in “King Kelce” costumes, a nod to Eagles center Jason Kelce, during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A performer in a Carnival themed performance dances with a Jamaican flag during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A very glittery Mummer blows a horn while performing at the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A parade participant sports golden shoes while they perform in the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Golden shoes are an iconic piece of Mummer’s lore, and dozens of pairs of spray painted shoes could be seen throughout the procession. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
Members of the “JHJ Saints” Wench Brigade wait to perform during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. The group’s costume theme for 2024 was “Avatar Way of the Wench.” (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A golden elephant makes its way down Market St. during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
Shanon Cooney poses for a portrait before the beginning of the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Cooney represented the Golden Sunrise Fancy Division in his “Starry Night” themed costume. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
Two Mummer’s made it clear that Barbie-mania will not be left in 2023 as they performed during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A performer in a Carnival themed performance dances in a feathery costume during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A Mummer dressed as a clown waits their turn to dance for the livestream during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)
A member of the “Riverfront” Wench Brigade takes a smoke break during the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Erin Blewett for Billy Penn)