PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia’s longest-running folk tradition is gearing up for a milestone celebration as the Mummers Parade returns on New Year’s Day 2026, marking its 125th anniversary and launching a year of historic festivities tied to America’s 250th birthday.
The city announced that Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will again serve as title sponsor for the event, which remains one of the nation’s most-watched holiday parades. USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recently named it the No. 1 holiday parade in the country.
The 2026 Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Mummers Parade will step off at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, beginning at City Hall and processing down Broad Street to Washington Avenue until 7:00 p.m. Judges will station themselves on the west side of City Hall and at Dilworth Plaza, where limited reserved seats are available through the Independence Visitor Center.
This year’s divisions include 1 Fancy Club, 10 Wench Brigades, 3 Comic Clubs, and 14 String Bands, each preparing elaborate Broadway-style performances — a hallmark of the parade’s evolution from its 17th-century immigrant roots to the theatrical spectacle it is today.
A Historic Year, a Major Spotlight
The 2026 parade not only celebrates 125 years of Mummery but also serves as Philadelphia’s kickoff for the nation’s America 250 festivities. Parade organizers say the timing underscores the tradition’s uniquely American story — one that grew from neighborhood revelry into the longest-running folk parade in the world.
“What an honor it is to speak on behalf of the Mummers Parade at such a momentous, historic double milestone,” said Sam Regalbuto, president of the String Band Association. “We aim to proudly showcase our unique culture to fans across the globe.”
Live Broadcasts and Fan Access
Thanks to sponsorship support, the parade will air live across the Delaware Valley and into the Poconos on WDPN-TV (MeTV2), WFMZ-TV 69, WFMZ.com, WFMZ+, ZEAM, FrndlyTV, NewsOn, and LocalNow. Last year’s broadcast was the number-one television program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Returning to the broadcast booth are hosts Larry Mendte and Dawn Stensland, joined by Megan McFarland, Jim Donio, Mummers Museum curator Mark Montanaro, and Regalbuto.
Spectators can also visit the String Bands as they make final adjustments to their routines starting at 11:00 a.m. in staging areas along Market Street (17th–21st Streets) and JFK Boulevard (17th–20th Streets).
Merch, Milestones, and Museum Events
To mark the 125th anniversary, organizers will offer limited-edition merchandise, including a commemorative ornament, plush toys, and parade shirts — available online and at Shop Live! in the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia lobby.
A separate event on January 10, 2026, at the Mummers Museum will honor the parade’s recognition by 52 Weeks of Firsts as the first official folk parade in America.
A Tradition Rooted in History
Mummery traces its origins to European immigrant customs dating back to the 1600s. Over time, the unsanctioned street revelry grew so popular — and chaotic — that the City of Philadelphia formalized it into an official parade in 1901, cementing a tradition that now draws national and international attention.
“As the city prepares for a lineup of highly anticipated world-class events, we’re proud to support this beloved tradition,” said Jake Joyce, senior vice president of marketing at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.
With its mix of music, satire, sequins, and showmanship, the Mummers Parade remains one of Philadelphia’s most distinctive New Year’s traditions — and organizers say the 125th edition will be its most ambitious yet.
More information, sponsorship opportunities, and donation details are available at PhiladelphiaMummersParade.com.
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