Happy Mummer's Day

[Patiod]

We in Philadelphia don't refer to it as a New Year's Parade - it's the "Mummer's Day Parade"

[bbernardini]

1. When the heck are the string bands going to start?

My son doesn't seem to care about the comics, but I think he'll really like the string bands.

[BeachBaby]

2. I can't get into the Mummers to save my life.

I know I'm in the minority. :)

[Patiod]

3. I never could until I saw them live down in South Philly

After the official parade, they go back and parade down 2nd Street, stopping in front of the clubhouses. We had a friend who lived right in the middle of everything, and went down there for several years.

Very fun, very musical, lots of spangles and lots of alcohol

Imagine Mardi Gras, only with no nudity and a lot more Italians in leather coats. Plus babies in strollers. OK, so it's not at all like Mardi Gras, but it is fun

[BeachBaby]

6. I've been to three of them.

And one of my cousins used to be a strutter. A very drunk strutter, but a strutter all the same.

I guess what I should have said is that I can't get into the whole day-long TV watching tradition that so many people here get into.

"Italians in leather coats". HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA - you missed one other feature. The Irish in feathers!!!!! :rofl:

[ghostsofgiants]

4. Mummers are much different here in Newfoundland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E86bcriRtW8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummer#Newfoundland_Mummers

[TZ]

5. What is Mummer's day exactly?

I've heard of it but I don't really know what it is....

[Patiod]

7. On New Year's Day, there's a huge parade in Philadelphia

First are the drunken "comics", which is mostly 2-3 hours of drunk guys in wigs and dresses, carrying parasols. Supposedly they parody current events, but most of the ones I've seen are just drunks. Not a crowd favorite, but it's the one place you can participate without money, talent or rehearsal.

Then come the String Bands, which are wonderful. They pick a musical theme (Over the Rainbow, In the Jungle, A Pirate's Life, A Space Odessey) and do music that goes with the theme. String bands include banjoes, saxaphones, accordians and glockenspiels, and the people playing them dance in formation and wear elaborate costumers of feathers, mirrors and sequins.

After that are the Fancies, which I'm not sure I understand. Elaborate costumes and routines, mini-floats, and each group brings a small band of musicians with them on the back of a truck. I think they do this portion indoors now.

What I find fun is that for 364 days a year, the participants do (mostly) blue collar jobs like pipefitter, welders, teamsters, plumbers and electricians. One day year, they wear amazing costumes and make-up, play great music, and entertain (although to earn money, they make appearances at weddings and other events)

[trof]

12. It's kinda Philly's Mardi Gras. No?

[Patiod]

14. Absolutely - about the same level of alcohol ingestion

but WAY less nudity (it's COLD) and more Italian girls in leather coats

God, I love Philadelphia.

[Reverend_Smitty]

8. I woke up to Mummers carrying on outside my hotel window

Let me tell you bright costumes and string band music is no way to treat a hangover!

[Patiod]

9. Park Hyatt, Ritz or Doubletree (Hershey)?

Some people actually PAY to stay within earshot of the parade!

[Reverend_Smitty]

10. Park Hyatt

Lovely hotel and great party last night...almost too great which was why I was less than thrilled by the crowd noise this morning. We were thinking about staying for a little bit of the parade but it was just too damn cold out

[SalmonChantedEvening]

11. *Best Cheesy Strut*

String Bands start yet? I snored all afternoon :blush:

Happy Mummer's Day Patiod :hug: :loveya:

[Patiod]

13. The Fancies just started

I thought the first group's theme was "FUBAR" but was relieved to see it was Ubar