Mummers Parade was canceled on New Years Day, but unofficial protest continues despite City of Philadelphia request to stay home

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Groups gathered in south Philadelphia Friday morning to protest the cancellation of the annual New Year’s Day Parade.

A Facebook page with two anonymous hosts reported a New Year’s Mummers protest against Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

Leaders of the Mummers organization said they did not support the protests and told their members to stay home.

“There is nothing organized. There is no official parade,” said Same Regalbuto, president of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association.

At 10 a.m., groups were seen gathering on the streets of South Philadelphia.

“As someone directly affected by COVID, we urge people to stay home and be safe with their families,” Regalbuto said.

Flyers were circulating in South Philly this week reminding people the city had canceled the parade due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

About 2,800 people signed and confirmed that they would attend the protest.

Michael McGrail was one of those planning to attend. He is not a member of any Mummers club, but intended to hand out safety kits to those who wanted to attend Friday’s unofficial event.

“We’re just going to go out there and strut around and give everyone free hand sanitizer,” McGrail said.

The city is urging people to stay in their homes and stay safe.

Society Hill Beverage is right across from where the parade usually ends on Two Street.

“It hurts a little bit because we’re here, and we usually have a lot of work to do when they’re here,” said Neil Mininger of Society Hill Beverage.

The mayor’s office said it will not interrupt the unofficial event, but if public safety is threatened, police will intervene.