A spectacle of colour and music - Philadelphia Mummers Parade

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Vince came across some great YouTube videos showing the Philadelphia Mummers Parades which have been held in that city continuously since 1901. I’d heard of the term ‘mummers’ but knew little about them. The tradition is centuries old and incorporates a mix of practices which originated in ancient Egypt, Britain and Scandinavia. The first documented Mummer-like parade occurred in 1778 as a farewell send off to the British. In 1808, the antics and tom-foolery of the mummers led to masquerading being declared a public nuisance. However, those comprising the mummers – tradesmen, farmers, craftsmen, etc – outnumbered those offended by the practice and the parades continued. Wikipedia says over 15,000 people now march on New Year’s Day and the costumes are fantastic. There are four groups in the parades – Comic, Fancy, Fancy Brigade and String Band. Photo from Wikimedia courtesy Carol M Highsmith. Has a MyLotter ever seen this parade or have anything to add? We watched the groups for ages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBGP5knUVI8