Philly's Mummers Parade Takes Top Spot: A New Year's Day Tradition Steals the Nation's Attention
In a historic win, the Mummers Parade, Philadelphia's iconic and oldest folk parade, has been named America's best holiday procession by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. The city's cherished tradition, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when immigrants would perform skits and songs in exchange for food and drink, has once again captured the hearts of Americans.
The four-division parade, featuring comics, wenches, string bands, and fancy brigades, draws thousands of spectators to Broad Street each New Year's Day. Critics praise its "colorful procession" and "spectacular costumes," beating out other notable events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago.
This year's victory marks a significant milestone for the parade, as it prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary. According to Sam Regalbuto, president of the String Band Association, "National recognition couldn't come at a better time... We'll celebrate that legacy while building excitement for this historic year in Philadelphia."
The Mummers' achievement highlights the diversity and uniqueness of America's holiday parades. While more traditional events like Detroit's Thanksgiving parade and New Orleans' new holiday parade made the list, other lesser-known events like the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in California and the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Maryland also garnered recognition.
To compile its list, USA Today asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite holiday parades. Readers then voted for their favorites, solidifying the Mummers' position as America's top holiday procession. The parade's success serves as a testament to Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage and its enduring appeal to both locals and visitors alike.
In a historic win, the Mummers Parade, Philadelphia's iconic and oldest folk parade, has been named America's best holiday procession by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. The city's cherished tradition, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when immigrants would perform skits and songs in exchange for food and drink, has once again captured the hearts of Americans.
The four-division parade, featuring comics, wenches, string bands, and fancy brigades, draws thousands of spectators to Broad Street each New Year's Day. Critics praise its "colorful procession" and "spectacular costumes," beating out other notable events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in Chicago.
This year's victory marks a significant milestone for the parade, as it prepares to celebrate its 125th anniversary. According to Sam Regalbuto, president of the String Band Association, "National recognition couldn't come at a better time... We'll celebrate that legacy while building excitement for this historic year in Philadelphia."
The Mummers' achievement highlights the diversity and uniqueness of America's holiday parades. While more traditional events like Detroit's Thanksgiving parade and New Orleans' new holiday parade made the list, other lesser-known events like the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in California and the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade in Maryland also garnered recognition.
To compile its list, USA Today asked a panel of experts to nominate their favorite holiday parades. Readers then voted for their favorites, solidifying the Mummers' position as America's top holiday procession. The parade's success serves as a testament to Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage and its enduring appeal to both locals and visitors alike.
I gotta say, it's awesome that Philly's Mummers Parade has won top spot again! 
It's such an iconic and unique tradition that really showcases the city's personality. I love how colorful and lively it is, with all the different groups performing their skits and songs. And can we talk about those costumes? 
They're like nothing you see anywhere else in the country. It's amazing that it's been recognized by USA Today as America's best holiday procession - it's a must-see event for anyone visiting Philly on New Year's Day! 
I'm excited to celebrate its 125th anniversary this year and see what new traditions come out of it. 
The costumes are always 
and the music is infectious! 
Who else can rock a fancy brigade or a string band with such flair? 
The fact that it beat out other big parades like Macy's is a testament to Philly's unique spirit! 
And let's not forget about the history behind it - immigrants coming together to celebrate and perform for food and drink 
️. I've been to it before and it's honestly one of the most fun events in the US. I'm hyped for their 125th anniversary celebration – more colors, more music, more laughs! 
It's a true Philly tradition that brings people together. The fact that it beat out other iconic parades like Macy's is proof that Philly's got some serious holiday flair 
It's like, who wouldn't want to see all those colorful costumes and elaborate skits on Broad Street every New Year's Day? The fact that it's been named America's best holiday procession for the second year in a row is really cool too. 
The fact that other parades made the list too is awesome, but I think Mummers is still one-of-a-kind 
and the energy is electric 
. and yeah, beat out those other parades in chicago and new york? bravo philly