The Mummers Parade, which has been an annual New Year’s Day staple in Philadelphia since 1901, has a rich history.

From the very beginning, the parade has had ties to Broad Street.

But how did that connection begin, and how has it remained so strong more than 100 years later?

H. Bart McHugh, a newspaper report and theatrical agent, led the effort to bring the mummers to Broad Street.

As Philadelphia’s largest street, Broad Street best fits the Mummers Parade’s history, symbolism, and sheer scale.

Running both north and south through the heart of the city, the Mummers Parade marching pass City Hall gives the parade its status as the longest-running parade in Philadelphia and the United States.

Many mummers traditionally come from South Philadelphia and Broad Street serves as the natural northbound artery connecting those communities to City Hall.

The Mummers Parade is also known for its judged competitions, with require a long and straight route for the choreographed performances, elaborate costumes, and props, and musical numbers. Broad Street’s length and width makes all that possible each year.

All in all, the Mummers Parade’s connection to Broad Street is a matter of giving the parade legitimacy, validation, and a traditional that has held strong for more than 100 years.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on PHILADELPHIA.Today in December 2025.