About The Fancy Brigades

The Fancy Brigades used to march in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade after the String Bands.The parade had become huge, lasting from early in the morning all the way into the evening. Some people complained that it lasted too long, and it did.

A few years ago a change was made that moved the Fancy Brigades into the Philadelphia Convention Center for the Fancy Brigade Finale Show. Since it was held while the String Bands were still performing outside, it shortened the duration of the parade considerably.

Although the Fancy Brigades still marched outside, they didn't take their big floats and stuff with them. The floats stayed in the convention center.

The move did something else, perhaps unexpectedly. It created something totally new, totally unique, and totally Philadelphia. There's nothing else like it anywhere.

Imagine, if you will, a competition where clubs compete with other clubs to see who can put on the best 4 minute show in a large venue like the convention center, once a year.

The fancy brigades are characterized by huge floats and props, elaborate costumes, and big broadway style productions centered around a theme.

The closest analogy I can give you is that it's sort of like those big production numbers like you see in some old movies, with music, dancers, and scenery. Add the broader theme of the Philadelphia Mummers Parade and that's what it's like.

Within the past couple of years, and especially since the brigades moved indoors, the emphasis has been on the WOW factor. Top brigades have been pushing the limits, which are 16 feet wide for floats with outriggers to 26 feet, and 14 feet high.

And all of this, of course, makes for a really spectacular show.

The Fancy Brigade Finale show is a competition.

Clubs must follow a number of rules and points are deducted if they break them. These rules pertain to timing, number of members, size of floats, etc. Other than that, they get judged on presentation, costumes, and floats.

They are still Mummers, so you'll see a lot of backpieces, sequins, and feathers.

During the week prior to New Years Day, the Convention Center hosts MummersFest. Visitors can watch the Fancy Brigades practice, get a sneak preview of their floats and props, and do some other stuff.

So, if you're going to be in Philadelphia on New Years Day, be sure to catch the Fancy Brigade Finale. You'll have a great time.

For information about tickets, performance times, and other things, follow the links to Mummers.com, or FancyBrigade.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!