PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- New Year celebrations kicked off vibrantly on Wednesday as the Mummers Parade brightened up Broad Street. With thousands welcoming 2025, the parade represented Philadelphia's unique tradition filled with sequins, music, and dance, yet this year’s festivities came with increased security precautions due to recent incidents of violence at public gatherings.
The heavy police presence was unmistakable, with additional personnel stationed along the parade route, sanitation trucks lined up as barricades, and barriers creating secure perimeters for the event. Philadelphia police adopted a multi-agency approach to guarantee not only the safety of the marchers but also the expansive crowds drawn to this iconic celebration.
The tragic news of a fatal attack leaving ten dead on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, was fresh on the minds of many parade-goers. "The news in New Orleans just breaks my heart," expressed Tammy Porath of Michigan, summarizing the somber reminder within the festive spirit. "I trust the officers here and I trust the security measures. I feel safe." Her sentiments reflect the feelings of many who gathered for the day’s events.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel emphasized the city’s heightened readiness, saying, "Coming on the heels of what happened in New Orleans, we are on a much heightened status today." Preparation for potential threats involved coordination across various law enforcement agencies, echoing the fears and experiences from other cities facing similar challenges.
The Mummers Parade, which has deep-rooted history stretching over 120 years, kicks off annually on New Year's Day. This year, it began at 9 AM and continued until 5 PM or later, inviting vibrant groups of Mummers to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm through performance. Philadelphia promises to host one of the most significant annual gatherings akin to the famed Mardi Gras, only larger.
Organizers remind attendees about numerous street closures and parking restrictions set to manage the anticipated influx of spectators. On December 30, preparations began with 15th Street closing southbound at John F. Kennedy Boulevard for equipment setup. The city's traffic advisories included prohibiting parking on key streets from December 31 through January 1 to facilitate crowd management.
Specific road closures began on New Year’s Day at 3 AM, including 15th Street between Arch and Chestnut Streets, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and stretches along Market Street, ensuring the parade route remained secure for vibrant performances.
The route stretches 1.5 miles through Philadelphia, starting at 17th and Market streets and concluding at Broad and Washington Avenue, right through the city’s financial and cultural heart. Attendees were strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation like SEPTA’s Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines, avoiding the hassle of traffic and limited parking.
"Honestly, we have a lot of confidence in this police department," remarked Bob Kinney of Doylestown, reflecting on the careful arrangements made over the years. "They've been doing this for years, and they know what they're doing. The security measures they’ve implemented are reassuring."
Despite the heightened security and nationwide concerns about public safety, the festive atmosphere prevailed. Following the conclusion of the parade on Broad Street, the celebration continued along 2nd Street, where thrills and excitement prevailed, with numerous police officers hired to usher both fun and safety side by side.
The 2025 Mummers Parade turned out to be as vibrant as promised, showcasing the best of Philadelphia's spirit and culture even amid the sobering awareness of security threats. Revelers celebrated with gusto, underscoring the city's resilience and the community's commitment to maintaining its beloved tradition, all under the watchful eyes of its dedicated law enforcement officers.
For all those who made their way to witness the grand spectacle, the 2025 Mummers Parade was undoubtedly not just another event but a significant say for community strength—ever vigilant, ever jubilant.