Mummers parade canceled, but thousands plan to protest New Year’s Day in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – The leadership of the Mummers divisions is distancing itself from a planned protest that has been gaining support online.

Some stated that if there is a protest, it will be from the hand of members who have been scoundrels or who are not real Mummers.

Lately, things have been unusually quiet in South Philadelphia and residents are realizing it.

“At this time of year, you’d be directing Fralinger, you’d hear the Pirates leave. You wouldn’t hear it anymore,” said resident Shane O’Donnell, who recalled the sounds of the string bands and brigades rehearsing before the annual New Year’s Eve parade.

But, like most things, it has also been paralyzed by the pandemic. There will be no parade this year.

“It’s unfortunate. And there are a lot of people who get hurt who don’t have jobs and their businesses aren’t open. So it definitely affects the Christmas and New Year season,” O’Donnell said.
However, thousands of people say they plan to leave, instead of protesting on New Year’s Day.

A Facebook group titled “Peaceful Protest Against Mayor Kenney / Mummers / New Year’s Day” so far has more than 2,600 RSVPs, with more than 8,000 saying they are interested in attending.

“Well, I think it’s important to remember that most of the Mummers and their organized groups made it clear that they weren’t going to leave this year,” Mayor Jim Kenney said during Tuesday’s COVID-19 briefing.

Kenney called for reconsideration of those who plan to protest but respect their right.

“We’ll try to keep them safe. If they’d wear a mask, it would be helpful,” Kenney said.
A city spokesman also told Action News in a statement: “As experienced in the summer with the protests, the city was prepared to manage crowds and groups while maintaining public safety.”

Two divisions of the Mummers, the Comics and the String Band Association issued a statement on Tuesday reiterating their support for the cancellation of this year’s parade, adding that it would not be prudent to gather their members or spectators.

Still, for those who want tradition, like Mummer Michael Russo, these parties are a little less magical.

“It’s very depressing around this neighborhood,” Russo said. “It’s like taking Christmas away.”