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“We are South Philadelphia. It lives in our bodies,” Bob Shannon Jr., New Years Shooters and Mummers Association, president said of the Mummers Parade, winner of the best South Philadelphia tradition.
Dating back to the early 1600s, the Mummers Parade has become a tradition in South Philadelphia, even before gaining this award from readers.
When moving to South Philly, Swedish and English settlers took with them their New Year’s Day celebration. Visiting family and friends transformed into a parade of masqueraders and “shooters” bringing in good spirits for the new year.
Although the parade was only made official in 1901, Shannon credits the people living in South Philly for keeping the tradition alive.
“South Philadelphia is filled with traditional types of people,” he said. “It’s hard, especially with all the expenses, but it takes a lot of backing from the neighborhood and the community, which we got.”
The parade, held on New Year’s Day, begins along designated spots on South Broad Street and continues up to City Hall.
With four distinct divisions —Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades, the annual event brings thousands of visitors and performers from around the nation.
A doctor from Massachusetts is frequently at practices for the String Band, in addition to members from California and Virginia, Shannon said. He encourages anyone to come out to enjoy or perform.
“Anybody with a fancy costume can join the Fancy Brigade. All reed, string, and percussion players are welcomed to join as well.”
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
2012 Readers’ Choice Award winners
Cuisine
Fuel: Soup; Hummus; Lunch menu (sit down); and healthiest menu
Geno’s Steaks: Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
John’s Roast Pork: Pork sandwich
SliCE: Specialty pizza
Penrose Diner: Diner
Ippolito’s Seafood: Seafood selection
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: BYOB; Italian Restaurant; Dessert menu; Chef
Cantina Los Caballitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Birra: New restaurant
Night on the Town
South Philadelphia Tap Room: Craft beer selection
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Celebrate a special occasion
Chickie’s & Pete’s: Friday happy hour; Bar menu; French fries
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli; Cookies
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Caffe Chicco: Iced coffee
People
Barbara Capozzi: Civic leader
Dr. Steven Moskowitz and Dr. William Mestichelli: Dentist
Johnny Looch: DJ
D. Olivieri Jewelers: Jeweler
Rev. Joseph Kelley: Priest/minister
Dr. Gail Avicolli: Principal
Sports
Carl Arrigale: High school coach
Neumann-Goretti Saints: High school team
St. Monica: CYO program
Mike Schmidt: All-time pro athlete
Antonio "Scoop" Jardine: Local current college athlete
And the Rest …
East Passyunk Avenue: Shopping center/district
Headhunters Hair Design: Salon
Roast beef sandwich: Category not on this list
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