William Penn in the late 17th century selected Philadelphia to serve as capital of his Pennsylvania colony. Over the next century, the city played a pivotal role in America's early history. The country’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia, which for a short time also served as the new nation’s capital. Ethnically and culturally diverse, Philadelphia today is America’s fifth largest city. On holidays and other special occasions throughout the year, colorful floats and marching bands fill the streets as Philadelphians celebrate their city’s rich and colorful heritage. Of the city’s many parades, several draw the biggest crowds each year.
Mummers Parade
- The Mummers Parade welcoming in the New Year has been an official Philadelphia tradition since the beginning of the 20th century. Unofficially, such celebrations date back to the city’s earliest days. Elaborately costumed entertainers -- some playing instruments and other acting as clowns -- fill the streets, carrying on customs that originated in the days of ancient Egypt and Rome. These customs, brought to the New World from Europe, have evolved through the years to take on a spirit that is distinctively Philadelphian. The parade consists of five divisions, of which the most famous is undoubtedly String Bands. Other divisions include the Fancy and Wench brigades and the Comic and Fancy divisions. The parade’s line of march originates in South Philadelphia and proceeds up Broad Street to City Hall in midtown Philadelphia.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may not be the biggest such parade in the country, but it proudly lays claim to the title of oldest. Spectacular floats, giant balloons, clowns, marching bands, choirs, ranks of tap dancers and big-name entertainers make up the line of march, which travels from 20th Street and JFK Boulevard east to 16th Street where it turns left for a block before turning west on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parade ends after passing in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Independence Day Parade
- Part of the weeklong Welcome America! Festival celebrating America’s birthday, the Independence Day Parade moves through the heart of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhood. More than 5,000 marchers join in the July 4th festivities that pass close to such historic landmarks as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall and the Free Quaker Meeting House. Preceding the parade is a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence on the steps of Independence Hall. Shortly after the parade, a ceremony in Independence Square commemorates the 13 original colonies with a gentle tapping of the Liberty Bell for each colony.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Traditionally held on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Philadelphia’s parade to honor Ireland’s patron saint is the city’s largest parade in terms of total marching participants -- roughly 20,000 representing 150 groups. It is also one of the city’s oldest parades, having first been held in 1771. The parade begins at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard and proceeds along Benjamin Franklin Parkway past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and along Kelly Drive to Lemon Hill Drive. A performing area is set up at Eakins Oval, adjacent to the art museum.
Puerto Rican Day Parade
- A Philadelphia tradition for more than half a century, the Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrates the cultural contributions of the city’s residents of Latino heritage. Philadelphia’s Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, also known as Concilio, sponsors the annual parade, which is held in late September. Roughly 1,500 marchers participate in the parade, which travels along Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Eakins Oval, where marchers disband.
