Mummers Parade 2024: What to know as groups make annual strut down Broad Street
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Here in the Philadelphia area, there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year.
But arguably the most iconic way to welcome 2024 in the city is on New Year's Day.
The Mummers Parade is back and will be strutting down Broad Street on January 1!
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the spectacular parade:
THE BASICS
The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on 17th and Market streets before turning at City Hall and heading south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue.
There are several Mummers performers' division that play a special role in the parade. Fancies perform in beautiful, elaborate costumes that are bound to impress.
Comic and Wench Brigades are satirical performers who act out skits. Fancy Brigades have pristinely choreographed dances, and String Bands march with their musical instruments in tow!
The 26th annual Fancy Brigade Finale also takes place on New Year's Day, with two shows at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. indoors at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
There are several places to spectate the event, but event organizers warn that you will need to arrive very early if you do not have a ticketed spot.
TICKETS & TRANSPORTATION
Spectators are highly encouraged by city officials to ditch the cars and use public transportation to get to the parade.
The parade route is easily accessible by SEPTA, no matter where you choose to watch from.
Road Closures
Parking will be prohibited on the following streets from 4 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 1.
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street (both sides)
- John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Juniper Street to 20th Street (both sides)
15th Street will be closed to traffic from JFK Boulevard to Market Street from 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 5 a.m. on Jan. 2.
Market Street will be closed to traffic from 15th Street to 21st Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.
The following streets will be closed to traffic starting at 3 a.m. Jan. 1 through the end of the parade:
- 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street
- Market Street from 15th Street to 21st Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- North Broad Street from Cherry Street to John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
Broad Street will be closed from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue on Jan. 1 beginning at 7 a.m. through the conclusion of the parade.
The following temporary "no parking" zones will also be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1:
- Broad Street from Arch Street to Ellsworth Street
- Juniper Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to East Penn Square
- South/East Penn Square from 15th Street to Juniper Street
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th Street to 20th Street
- Logan Circle (north side)
- North Broad Street from Cherry Street to John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- 16th Street from Chestnut Street to Race Street
- 17th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Ludlow Street
- 18th Street from Ludlow Street to Race Street
- 19th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Chestnut Street
- 19th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Market Street
- 1500 block of Ranstead Street
- 1300 block of Carpenter Street
- 1000 block of South 13th Street
- Chestnut Street from 15th Street to 18th Street (north side)
- Cherry Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Arch Street from 15th Street to 17th Street
- Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street
Tickets: Parade Seating
The Mummers Parade is free to watch anywhere along the 1.5-mile route.
There are designated performance spots on Broad Street at Sansom, Pine and Carpenter streets. Attendees are allowed to bring lawn chairs to sit at the event.
For those looking to get a great seat and perfect view, you can buy tickets to the Parade Bleacher Seating. It's located by the west side of City Hall at Dilworth Park.
Tickets cost $25. You can buy them in person at the Independence Visitor Center or online at phlvisitorcenter.com.
Tickets: Fancy Brigade Finale
Fancy Brigade Finale has two shows at the convention center on New Year's Day, the first from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the second from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The first show is $38 and the second costs $28. Similar to the parade, tickets can be bought in person at the Independence Visitor Center, online at ticketleap.com, or at fancybrigadeassociation.com.
Stream the Fancy Brigade Finale
If you're looking to watch the annual competition from the comfort of your home, you're in luck!
This year, you can watch the 5 p.m. event live wherever you stream 6abc.
6abc's own Alicia Vitarelli will be on hand to host the Fancy Brigade Finale.
THE HISTORY
The Mummers Parade is a strong tradition in Philadelphia that has lasted for over 120 years. This upcoming event will mark the 124th Mummers Parade!
Over 10,000 participants in intricate costumes do the "Mummers Strut" through the city, stopping to perform at three locations.
The Mummers are made up of over 40 organized clubs throughout the city. They are each categorized into five divisions with their own performing styles, and compete to win bragging rights for the rest of the new year.
For many Philadelphians, the parade is a tradition that has lasted for generations.
The term 'Mummer' comes from Germany, and means, "to costume, pantomime or masquerade."
