Scores of costumed performers took to the streets of their south Philadelphia stomping grounds for a New Year’s celebration of Mummers tradition, far from the …
Scores of costumed performers took to the streets of their south Philadelphia stomping grounds for a New Year’s celebration of Mummers tradition, far from the customary parade route and despite official cancellation of the annual event due to the pandemic. Defying a ban on large gatherings, participants in brightly colored costumes, some with faces painted, paraded Friday down Second Street, following trucks that blared string band or popular music. Some wore masks, but many did not. Oothers marched with them wearing « South Philly Still Struts » sweatshirts. WPVI-TV reported that other groups of Mummers marched through other sections of south Philadelphia. Mayor Jim Kenney announced in July that the city would not grant permits to planned outdoor events with more than 50 people, effectively canceling the large annual parade and other events as officials struggled to contain the spread of the virus. Some Mummers leaders and organizations also asked members to stay home. City spokeswoman Lauren Cox said there were no major issues Friday but said seeing pictures of many participants without masks was « very concerning, given the seriousness of this current wave of the pandemic. » « Anyone who has been in or near large crowds today should get tested five to seven days after the activity, stay away from others for 10 days, and continue monitoring for symptoms for 14 days, » she said. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported recently that two previous attempts in the 119-year history of the parade to call it off — in 1919 due to the flu pandemic and in 1934 due to the Great Depression — hadn’t gone well.
