Mummers Parade – Participants
Music; Ambience: “Oh Dem Golden Slippers”, by the Durning String Band. Mummers Parade
JM: Every New Years, Philadelphia celebrates an event that’s wild, extravagant, raucous, and eye-popping. It’s called the Mummers Parade, and it’s been a city tradition since 1901. I’m Jim Metzner, and this is the Pulse of the Planet. Each year, 15,000 participants dress up in elaborate “Vegas-style” costumes and perform dance routines, instrumental medleys, and humorous skits. And these mummers put together the whole thing by themselves, right down to the very last sequin. Jack Cohen is the curator of the Mummers Museum, and a parade volunteer.
JC: “The mummers are a group of mostly blue-collar workers. So we send them to dance class, we hire choreographers for them. We get them pretty much into a routine by January 1st where they’re able to play their musical instruments and dance at the same time.”
JM: Because there’s so much work to be done, planning for next year’s parade starts as soon as this year’s parade ends.
JC: “The mummers do all different types of fundraising, from casino trips to beef and beer nights. The Mummers Parade is unique because it’s a parade which doesn’t really have too much commercial sponsorship. They really want this to be a parade for the common people, so to speak. Anybody who wants to be a Mummer is encouraged to join this fabulous tradition.”
JM: Please visit our website at pulseplanet.com. Pulse of the Planet is presented by the National Science Foundation. I’m Jim Metzner.