The Mummers Parade: Philly's Wildest Tradition

Almost every New Year's Day since 1901, tens of thousands of sequined, feathered, banjo-strumming Philadelphians march up Broad Street in the Mummers Parade — the oldest continuous folk parade in America. The tradition has roots in Swedish, English, German, Irish, and African American celebrations dating back to the 1600s. There are five divisions: Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades. The String Bands alone spend months and small fortunes on their costumes. It's gloriously weird and uniquely Philly.