Everything you need to know about the 2024 Mummers Parade: How to watch, parade route, road closures, parking restrictions, and public transportation

Philadelphians kick off each year a little differently than other cities. We dress up in flashy outfits, makeup, and costumes and strut down Broad Street on New Year’s Day.

The Mummers Parade is back Jan. 1, 2024.

A century-old tradition, with roots that came over with waves of European immigrants into Philadelphia, is meant to ring in a new year with fun and silliness while satirizing the moments of the year that has passed. Mummers comes from a character from Aesop’s Fables, Momus of ancient Greece, who is associated with mockery and satire. The Philly Mummers use this origin to poke fun at different topics.

However, it hasn’t been without controversy. For years, the parade has been grappling with its racist past, where some white attendees paraded in “blackface,” among other offensive remarks and displays. Since 2022, Mummers have had to go through sensitivity training, and all skits are approved by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

City councilmember Mark Squilla, a Mummer with the Shooting Stars Fancy Brigade, said that “no other place in the world rings in New Year’s like Philadelphia” thanks to the Mummers, reported The Inquirer.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the 2024 Mummers Parade or prepare for the traffic.

The parade begins at 9 a.m. at 17th and Market Streets. From there, the parade turns right at City Hall and struts down Broad Street until it ends at Washington Avenue by 6 p.m.

Locals will already know how traffic is during parades. In Center City, expect delays on the days leading up to New Year’s Day, but especially on Jan. 1.

Vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross Broad Street while the parade is moving. Motorists are advised to avoid the area or leave earlier for destinations near the parade. Double-parking is also prohibited.

No parking from 6 p.m. Dec. 29 through 6 p.m. Jan. 2 on the west side of 15th Street from Arch Street to Ranstead Street. Street and sidewalk vendors will not be allowed to park in this area during this time.

From 9 a.m. Dec. 30 through 7 a.m. Jan. 2, 15th Street will be closed to southbound traffic at JFK Boulevard for equipment delivery and setup.

No parking on the following streets from 4 a.m. on Dec. 31 through 6 p.m. on Jan. 1:

From 10 a.m. Dec. 31 through 5 a.m. Jan. 2, 15th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from JFK Boulevard to Market Street.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 31, Market Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 15th to 21st Streets. At 3 p.m., Market Street will reopen and traffic will be allowed to travel eastbound on Market Street to 15th Street and continue southbound on 15th Street.

The following streets will be closed to vehicular traffic at 3 a.m. on Jan. 1 through the conclusion of the parade:

Broad Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from South Penn Square to Washington Avenue at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, through the conclusion of the parade.

Temporary “No Parking” zones will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, on both sides of the street unless otherwise noted:

SEPTA will be operating on a Sunday schedule on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

Many SEPTA bus routes will be detoured beginning at 3 a.m. Dec. 31. Temporary detours will impact these bus routes: 2, 4, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 48, 49, 64, 124, 125, BSO, and MFO.

Bus routes are not operating on New Year’s Day: 204, 310, 311, and LUCY.