December 31, 1789 & January 1, 1790
It wouldn’t be New Year’s in Philadelphia if it weren’t for good ol’ GW. Although the formation of the Mummers traces back to the 17th century, it wasn’t until 1790 that George Washington declared New Year’s Day Mummer’s parade an official custom. Mummers would go door to door throughout the city of Philadelphia, shouting and singing, spoofing George Washington and singing English tunes. The groups were typically 20 people or less, with blackened faces, performing their comic routines in exchange for cakes and ale.
The Mummer’s custom was brought to America by the Swedes, the first settlers of Philadelphia. Many of the traditions, costumery and music is still influenced today by early European cultures. This favored Philadelphia tradition continues every New Year’s Day down Broad Street, where you can watch an array of comics, fancies, string bands, and fancy brigades.
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