By Maddie Orton
Arts Correspondent
Sure, the ball will drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, but on New Year’s Day? Philly’s 2nd Street is the place to be. The Mummers Parade is a Philadelphia and South Jersey tradition that struts into its 114th official year this Thursday.
Mummers, named for the Greek god of Satire Momus, are said to be found throughout recorded history. The Christmas/New Year’s tradition of drinking, eating, and dressing up came to the U.S. in the 17th century.
Now, amidst growing challenges, Mummers are working extra hard to keep alive what’s thought to be the oldest folk festival in the United States. Joe “Asti” Pomante has been a Mummer for 30 years. He’s captain of the Durning String Band.
“We’ve got members of this band that have gone up the street for 65 years. You’ve got members that are 80, 90 years old,” said Durning String Band Captain Joe “Asti” Pomante. “For those guys to go out in the cold and play their instruments, you’re talking about dedication right there.”
According to the Mummers Museum, there are five divisions of Mummers clubs:
-The Comic, those are the clowns
-The Fancy, where you find the elaborate costumes synonymous with the Mummers
-The Wench Brigade, a spin-off of the comic
-The Fancy Brigade, an even more over-the-top version of the Fancy
-The String Band, which includes the Durning band
The costumes and props that make the parade what it is are not cheap. Pomante says that’s one of the challenges.
“Some groups charge anywhere from $300 to $1,200 in dues,” said Pomante. “Unfortunately, there is no more prize money, and there’s very little TV money that is given to the clubs, so there are bands out on the street that might be doing a theme that goes for over $100,000. They’re making about $5,000 in return.”
There’s also the matter of recruiting new members. According to the Associated Press, the number of performers participating has dropped by about one third since 2001. At age 17, Kelliann Bolash is one of the group’s youngest members.
“I feel like it’s more of an older generation thing, but I feel like more young people should get involved because it’s a lot of fun,” said Bolash.
The Mummers have had their ups and downs—the history of the art form is a checkered one. Minstrelsy was a staple until use of blackface was banned in 1964, and women weren’t openly included until the 1970s or ‘80s.
Pomante doesn’t think that history prevents people from becoming involved though. For him Durning is about inclusion and camaraderie.
“Just meeting every week—it’s like a family,” said Pomante.
And with months of work that need to go into the four and a half minute performance, it better be.
“It’s a very tedious process,” said Durning String Band Musical Director Ryan “Griff” Griffin. “I mean if we’re listening to it, if we get bored, okay, let’s cut that, let’s start this here.”
In fact, Durning String Band members will be working on the final product right up until they hit the parade route. That means late-night rehearsals in frosty parking lot. It is a competition after all.
When asked how long the practice will go until, band member Dan Fisher said, “Well this is Durning. We’re here until we get it perfect. When we get it right!”
As for the parade, it’s not just a prize Durning String Band members are looking for—it’s also good weather. A little sunshine goes a long way when you’re holding a cold saxophone.