125 years. One city. One unforgettable New Year’s Day tradition. 🎭🎺 ‌ Today marked the 𝟭𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲, Philadelphia’s iconic New Year’s Day celebration — and the oldest continuously operating folk parade in the United States. It was absolutely freezing out, but we really enjoyed our first experience! Imagine Mardi Gras except make it frosty🥶 and add Philly’s unique personality! 🦅💚 ‌ The first official parade stepped off in 1901! Every January 1st, more than 10,000 performers take over Broad Street, strutting south from City Hall to Washington Avenue in elaborate costumes filled with feathers, sequins, satire, and sound. ‌ The parade features five competitive divisions: 🔹Comics – with humorous skits 🔹 Wench Brigades – themed costumes + dancing 🔹Fancies – theatrical showmanship 🔹String Bands – big musical groups with banjos + horns 🔹Fancy Brigades – a mix of all the best usually with large props Expect lots of drinking both from the crowd and from the participants… Though it is family-friendly, and lots of kids were out there, marching alongside of their parents! ‌ 🎺 Historic moment today: Due to high winds, the String Band competition was postponed, marking the first time in the parade’s 125-year history that this division’s competition had to be suspended. ‌ 👀 How to watch in the future: • The parade happens every New Year’s Day • Free street viewing along Broad Street • Paid bleacher seating near City Hall for prime views • Judging takes place by City Hall, with finales and brigade performances later in the day ‌ Loud, proud, colorful, and completely Philly — the Mummers Parade isn’t just a parade, it’s a New Year’s Day rite of passage. 🎉 Add this your travel bucket list and follow us @funfitnessfam more budget-friendly family travel inspo in 2026! HAPPY NEW YEAR! ✨