Saying “Happy New Year!” Around the WorldDon't forget to watch the 2006 Mummer Parade!
The Mummer's Parade takes place each year on New Year's Day in Philadelphia. It is rooted in tradition from the early 1800's. This new year the parade will march down Market St, heading west and around City Hall counter-clockwise to the judges stand. It runs all day from, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The origins of the Mummers Parade can date all the way back to the 1700s and even before. This tradition relates back the Swedish who settled outside of Philadelphia, along the roads of Tinicum and Kingsessing. They brought their tradition of "Second Day Christmas" where they would visit their friends. Eventually this tradition extended to the New Year. Marking the occasion were the loud noises that filled the air. Using their pistols and muskets, bells and other noise makers the Philadelphia locals paraded down the streets. The firing of the guns to welcome in the New Year became associated with the Now Year's Shooters. This is how the tradition evolved.
Read the rest of the History of the Parade.
"Bach on Broad St." Uptown String Band
*
Oh and don't forget the cocktails...
1 comment:
I havedn't seen that parade in YEARS and years. I think I'll have a look tomorrow. Happy New Year, Jess!
Post a Comment