World-Renowned Philadelphia Mummers Parade Kicks Off 2014

The world-renowned, family-friendly Philadelphia Mummers Parade will kick off 2014 with an only-in-Philadelphia spectacle that is sure to dazzle and delight parade-goers. One of the longest running traditions in America, the Mummers Parade features one-of-a-kind costumes, joyful music, and inspired, fun-filled performances. The 10,000 vibrantly-dressed Mummers step off on New Year's Day at 10 a.m., beginning at Broad and Washington Ave. and strutting through clouds of confetti and glitter towards City Hall.

Starting the festivities are the Comics, parodying hot political issues and pop culture, followed by the Comic Wench brigades of men in bonnets and bloomers. Next are the glamorous Fancies with giant, sequin-studded, feathered costumes, followed by the legendary, imaginatively-dressed String Bands who entertain with intricate choreography and delightful musical arrangements.

Parade-goers can enjoy the festivities from four special performance zones. For an exclusive view of each division's final performance, the Grand Stand entertainment zone on JFK Boulevard between 15th and 16th Streets offers more than 1,200 ticketed bleacher seats.

For indoor entertainment, the Fancy Brigade Finale features dynamic, choreographed performances, heart-pounding music and glowing costumes in front of handmade backdrops that soar 24-feet high. Shows are at noon and 5 p.m. in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Tickets for the Mummers Parade Grandstand bleacher seats ($19.50), Fancy Brigade Family Show ($28), indoor Fancy Brigade Finale ($23), or MummersFest ($5) are available by calling 1-800-537-7676, or can be purchased in-person at the Independence Visitor Center on 6th and Market Streets or at the Welcome Center on 16th Street and JFK Boulevard. The 114th Mummers Parade is organized by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

For an all-access look into how the Mummers prepare to march up Broad Street from creating costumes to choreographing the routines, see Visit Philadelphia's Behind the Sequins video series at www.visitphilly.com/mummers.