Download or read book Philadelphia Mummers written by Stephen M. Highsmith and published by Arcadia Publishing. This book was released on 2016-12-19 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Philadelphia Mummers is the story of America's oldest annual folk parade and its legacy to Philadelphia's working-class spirit. The Philadelphia Mummers are costumed individuals and families who celebrate by strutting and performing on New Year's Day. For many, mummery is also a way of life. The first official parade occurred in 1901, but it is an evolving tradition, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of changing times. Philadelphia Mummers tells the story of modern-day mummery and the expressions of art, freedom, and celebration of thousands of people who come together in the working-class spirit of America's oldest annual folk parade.