Mummers Parade

[prettytoes]

I'm not sure if it's televised nationally, but here in PA, every New Year's Day, Philadelphia hosts the annual Mummer's Parade. I'm watching it now, and it dawned on me that most of the fancy outfits are made of satin material and are designed as skirts or dresses. With a vast majority of the "strutters" being men, is this just a mass cross-dressing parade?
I can't help but think that if it was more socially acceptable, there would be a large number of men sporting dresses and skirts all the time, not just for a parade.

[docrobbysherry]

This is a popular misconception for many dressers, Pretty. But, I can tell u first hand in my first vanilla 45 years I had many opportunities to try on my girlfriend's or wife's things. Yet I never did. "Why not", u ask?

Because it NEVER OCCURED TO ME!
Just like it doesn't to most vanilla men!

[Allisa]

The Mummers have been around for I believe 2 century. It is a Philadelphia thing and it was going on before women even had the right to vote and it was all male, never a female allowed. Go to the Mummers museum on 9th street I believe it will answer your questions. It has nothing to do with CDing. On a side note this parade is known world wide. I could go on but that's for another venue.

[Krisi]

............. With a vast majority of the "strutters" being men, is this just a mass cross-dressing parade?
I can't help but think that if it was more socially acceptable, there would be a large number of men sporting dresses and skirts all the time, not just for a parade.

This sort of thought gets posted here from time to time.

No, this is not a mass crossdressing parade. It's a tradition.

And no, men would not be sporting dresses and skirts all the time. Men (most of them) work and in many cases, pants are more practical than dresses or skirts.

[Princess Chantal]

I have more of fascination of the mummery in Newfoundland small communities compared to Philadelphia. Having all out fun like that is really up my alley. Create a costume to hide your identity, knock on friendly neighbours doors, dance, sing, play instruments, and have them guess who you are..... sounds like lots of fun could be had socializing like that

[DMichele]

I agree with Allisa that the Mummers Parade has nothing to do with CDing. It is just a very unique way for the masses of working people to ring in the New Year.

To truly appreciate the creativity and hard work put forth by each group, one has to see it live. I am glad I had several occasions to see the parade, and the after-parade neighborhood celebrations.

[Dr.Susan]

https://whyy.org/articles/cross-dres...ummers-parade/

I grew up in Philly. They even gave awards for the best female impersonator at one time. Usually you would see them, few that there were, parading on the sidelines and were not featured on the television coverage much.

http://www.epgn.com/news/local/8066-...mummers-parade