“A Dappled Sky Casts no Pall Over the Revelry: Philadelphians Commandeer Broad Street for the 2024 Mummers Parade
The exuberance of a multitude of Philadelphians remained undimmed by somber gray clouds, eagerly ushering in the new year in the distinctive Philly fashion— gleefully flouting open container laws and engaging in whimsical deals with the (cardboard) embodiment of malevolence.
Mike Carwile, reflecting on a tradition his club has perpetuated for decades, pointed to a sizable, feather-trimmed Satan on wheels behind him. “This is a suit that the club has been putting out for decades at this point,” he remarked. “We fixed it up a little bit this year.”
The Carwile father-son tandem, alongside numerous local families, lifelong friends, groups of wenches, comics, and string bands, embarked on the 1 1/2-mile-long procession down Broad Street, commemorating the 124th iteration of the Mummers Parade.
Rooted in millennia-old comic performances, this annual tradition, however, carries a contentious history in recent years in Philadelphia. In 2020, Mayor Jim Kenney contemplated canceling the parade due to multiple Mummers wearing blackface, while four years earlier, organizers faced backlash for alleged racism, homophobia, and transphobia exhibited by some participants.
This year, the bedazzled throng numbered over 10,000 individuals, each infusing their unique flair into the Philadelphia tradition.
Kevin Burkhardt, discussing his club’s origin in 2017, explained, “We started this club in 2017 for one of my friends who passed away. We’ve been comics for the last six years, and this is our first year with the wenches, so it’s gonna be a really good year.”
Steve Miller, a member of Burkhardt’s club, M.G.K Outsiders, emphasized the dedication required for this annual event, including a 4 a.m. wake-up call. “My girl hates it,” Miller humorously admitted. “I’m in bed by 8 o’clock. There’s no New Year’s kiss. Nothing.” Yet, he expressed that Mummers Parade day is the highlight of his year.
Barbara Molden, typically a television spectator, changed her routine this year, taking an early train to secure a prime viewing spot outside City Hall. “I was born in Philadelphia. I’ve been living here all my life. I’m 70 years old now, and this is my first Mummers Parade,” Molden shared. “I said, for once I’m going to go look at this. So before I close my eyes and be buried, I’ll say, ‘At least I got to see the Mummers.’”
The festivities included two five-minute performances from the Fancy Brigade at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Notably, one Mummer displayed a MAGA flag in support of former President Donald Trump.
Mike Carwile remains optimistic that this year’s parade, with its imposing cardboard demon, heralds auspicious times ahead.”_