For the locals inside the packed Linc and watching on TV Sunday night, the appearance of a few dozen Mummers on the catwalk at WrestleMania were an obviously fitting nod to a Philadelphia tradition.
But for fans in attendance from outside Philly and those watching around the world, the Mummers’ appearance may have needed more explanation.
“Who are they?” guest announcer Pat McAfee asked on the WrestleMania broadcast, as the string band played the theme song of wrestler Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
Honestly, if you’re unfamiliar with the Mummers, it’s understandable that you’d be a bit confused by the massive, brightly colored feather costumes, the string band sound, and the toe-tapping dance steps.
But just being told that the band featured members of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association didn’t help McAfee or the out-of-town audience much. The group’s name didn’t do much to unpack the look of the costumes or the group’s history — the good, the bad, or the weird.
For a quick guide, check out Billy Penn’s “Mummers 101: Everything you need to know about Philly’s infamous New Year’s tradition.” The Mummers tradition has also recently been the topic of WHYY News’ Bridging Blocks community conversations.
“I remember Jason Kelce dressed up as one of these things during the Super Bowl parade and it was a big pop,” McAfee offered, putting a little (very little) historical context to the costumes. (Kelce himself popped up on the first night of WrestleMania Saturday helping out in a match with Lane Johnson, both in luchador masks.)
“We just high-fived a hundred people wearing clown costumes,” McAfee added, clearly confused again.
That confusion wasn’t his alone.
Without a better explanation, some assumed the Mummers are peak Philly culture.
The appearance certainly had its haters.
But there were also big fans.
Unfortunately, the Mummers weren’t a good luck charm for Rollins, as he ended up losing the match. But their entrance performance marks another chapter in the long story of Mummers’ history.
The Mummers weren’t the only local musicians to perform as part of the grandiose entrances. The School District of Philadelphia All City Orchestra played as champion Roman Reigns made his way to the ring for the weekend’s final main event.
