First Folk Parade

Marisa Magnatta unpacks how a mashup of immigrant traditions fused in South Philadelphia to create America’s first folk parade. With roots stretching back to 1600s Swedish revelry, English mummers plays, German belsnickling, and centuries of neighborhood pageantry, this tradition evolved into the first official Mummers Day Parade in 1901. With WMMR’s Jackie BamBam, Marisa explores how this rowdy ritual became an essential part of Philly culture - and why it still owns New Year’s Day.

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