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PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Scores of costumed performers took to the streets of their south Philadelphia stomping grounds for a New Year's celebration of Mummers tradition, far from the customary parade route and despite official cancellation of the annual event and a ban on large gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Participants in brightly colored costumes, some with faces painted, paraded Friday down 2nd Street in South Philadelphia following trucks that blared string band or popular music. Some wore masks but many did not, and others marched with them wearing "South Philly Still Struts" sweatshirts. WPVI-TV reported that other groups of Mummers marched through other sections of south Philadelphia.
Mayor Jim Kenney announced in July that the city would not grant permits to planned outdoor events with more than 50 people, effectively canceling the large annual parade and other events as officials struggled to keep a lid on the spread of the virus. Some Mummers leaders and organizations also asked members to stay home.
City spokeswoman Lauren Cox said there were no major issues Friday but said seeing pictures of many participants without masks was "very concerning given the seriousness of this current wave of the pandemic."