Despite subfreezing temperatures and the lowest turnout of spectators in years, the 2018 Mummers Parade did not disappoint. The show went off without a hitch along Broad Street, where brigades entertained with their trademark energy and elaborate costumes and choreography. To alleviate the cold, the city placed warming tents along the parade route where spectators could catch some relief and performers could warm themselves and their freezing instruments.
After the parade, fancy brigades took their shows inside at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where they saw their biggest crowd to date—thanks, no doubt, to the warmer, covered venue. Many brigades punctuated their mostly traditional performances with larger sets and the incorporation of technologies like large digital screens and elaborate lighting. If you were there, you were dazzled.
Miss out on this year’s festivities? Look below for photos from the day.
Philadelphia Mummers marching on Broad Street
Fancy Brigade finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Want to learn more about the Mummers? Check out the Mummers Museum in South Philly.