The Pageantry of the Mummer's String Bands

You know how it is, right? 

When you live in an area your entire life, 

but miss out on some aspect relevant to where you live. 

Enter: The Mummers

South Philadelphia String Band

If you have never heard of them, 

then you are not from Philadelphia. 

Quaker City String Band

The Mummers parade each New Year's Day in Philadelphia -  

the highlight being the costumed string bands. 

But, I had never been to a New Year's Day Mummer's Parade.

Duffy String Band

Being German, we were too busy  

wishing ourselves good luck with 

our pork and sauerkraut New Year's Day Dinners. 

Fralinger String Band

And later, 

having a New Year's Eve baby 

the day became a family birthday celebration. 

Ferko String Band

So after half a century I have finally experienced 

the pageantry of the Mummer's string bands. 

Aqua String Band

In order to offset costs, 

the string bands now have a fundraising parade in Manayunk each year. 

This was the second year 

and it was on a day I could attend - 

finally getting to experience the Philly string bands

in all their glory. 

Check One Off the Bucket List!