More than a century of Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition is steeped in sequins, theatrical performances, and lots and lots of beer.
On Jan. 1, more than 10,000 fancifully dressed Philadelphians marched through Center City in the 124th Mummers Parade, a celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions.
Thousands more came to cheer the performers from the sidewalk as “Where’s Waldo?”
costumed dancers, bumblebee brigades, and a Wild West saloon float paraded in front of City Hall and all the way down to the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue.
More than 40 brigades of performers, sprinkled across five divisions of Mummery — Comic, Wench, Fancy, Fancies, and String Band — all brought distinctively Philly performances on the day, which dawned relatively warm (mostly in the 40s) and cloudy, with a rising wind through the day.
Families and groups of friends laughed and cheered as waves of costumed adults danced their way down Philly’s main corridor to South Philadelphia.
As one of the oldest folk parades in the country, the Mummers Parade is not without a storied past, including a history of blackface and sexism. However, since 2022, the parade has strayed from controversial and insensitive displays after undergoing mandatory sensitivity training and having all skits and performances pre-approved by the city.
Take a look at some of the scenes from the 2025 Mummers Parade.
Want to know more about the parade. Try our History of the Mummers Parade quiz or read up on Mummers 101: Everything you need to know about Philly’s infamous tradition.
A group of Mummers walk past a a cheering crowd along Broad Street on Jan. 1, 2025. The 124th Mummers Parade is a generational celebration that celebrates the New Year with costumes, floats, and coordinated dances. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A fancifully dressed Mummer waves to spectators as he catches a ride on the back of a float during the The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen today. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A Mummer takes a minute to adjust his costume hair while walking the parade route toward the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen today. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
Young fans cheer as a group of “Where’s Waldo” themed Mummers wearing their signature gold shoes dance by the crowds on Broad Street during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A Baroque-themed Mummer struts by a cheering crowd on Broad Street on Jan. 1, 2025. The 124th Mummers Parade is a generational celebration that celebrates the New Year with costumes, floats, and coordinated dances. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A royally dressed Mummer waves to excited spectators on Broad Street during the 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A young spectator smiles as troupes of Mummers pass by during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A Mummer dressed like a cowboy dances along Broad Street during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen today. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A young Mummer dressed as a cowgirl takes a quick break during the walk along the parade route for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade route is over a mile long, and begins with performances outside of City Hall on Market Street and continues until the conclusion at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue. 
Thousands of spectators lined City Hall and parts of Broad Street for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A troupe of Scooby Doo-themed mummers walk along the parade route with a string band during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A troupe of colorfully dressed mummers walk by cheering spectators at City Hall during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
Spectators catch beads thrown by passing Mummers as they made their way down Broad Street for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A group of particularly excited Mummers dances and shows off their body paint as they make their was down Broad Street for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A troupe of bee-themed Mummers interact with the crowd as they dance their was down Broad Street for The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is one of Philadelphia’s most unique annual traditions, and it is the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A Mummer dances past City Hall during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The Mummers Parade is generational celebration that has roots in Northern European, British, and African American traditions that morphed into the revelry seen today. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A Mummer dressed in a glittery shark costume waves at children watching The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade begins with performances outside of City Hall on Market Street and continues until the end of the route at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A mummer wearing an Irish Claddagh inspired costume poses with a spectator along the parade route on Broad Street during The 124th Mummers Parade on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade begins with performances outside of City Hall on Market Street and continues until the end of the route at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett) 
A spectator at the Mummers Parade observes a vendor selling glowing balloons along the parade route outside of City Hall on on Jan. 1, 2025. The parade route is over a mile long, and begins with performances outside of City Hall on Market Street and continues until the conclusion at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Avenue. (Courtesy of Erin Blewett)
