SOUTH PHILLY REVIEW = BEST SOUTH PHILLY TRADITION We are South Philadelphia. It lives in our bodies,” Bob Shannon Jr., New Years Shooters and Mummers Association, president said of the Mummers Parade, winner of the best South Philadelphia tradition. Dating back to the early 1600s, the Mummers Parade has become a tradition in South Philadelphia, even before gaining this award from readers. When moving to South Philly, Swedish and English settlers took with them their New Year’s Day celebration. Visiting family and friends transformed into a parade of masqueraders and “shooters” bringing in good spirits for the new year. Although the parade was only made official in 1901, Shannon credits the people living in South Philly for keeping the tradition alive. “South Philadelphia is filled with traditional types of people,” he said. “It’s hard, especially with all the expenses, but it takes a lot of backing from the neighborhood and the community, which we got.” The parade, held on New Year’s Day, begins along designated spots on South Broad Street and continues up to City Hall. With four distinct divisions —Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades, the annual event brings thousands of visitors and performers from around the nation. A doctor from Massachusetts is frequently at practices for the String Band, in addition to members from California and Virginia, Shannon said. He encourages anyone to come out to enjoy or perform. “Anybody with a fancy costume can join the Fancy Brigade. All reed, string, and percussion players are welcomed to join as well.”
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 17:36:26 +0000
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