Mediated Performances

http://www.phillymummers.com/fancybrigades.htm

The image above shows the Downtowners division of the Fancy Brigade Division.  They are described on the site as "a central theme dominates music, costumes and presentation of the groups of 35 or more performers.  The brigades themselves are the youngest division in the parade.  Prior to the late 1970's the brigades were seen marching as groups among the Fancy Division.  Then in 1998 with the elaborate props that each brigade had, forced this portion of the parade to be moved to indoors for their jud(g)ing."

The Mummers Parade in Philadelphia occurs on January 1, following the centuries old traditions from Europe of welcoming in the New Year by bands of masked men.  Variations of the traditions included masked men moving from house to house, performing songs, a particular dancing style or playing a game of dice.  Records of the songs, laws banning mummers, records of royalty taking part and historical accounts of the tradition exist in England, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and other European countries.  

Traditionally a leader was appointed by Swedish Mummers and he performed a traditional dance whilst reciting this traditional rhyme.

"Here we stand before your door, 

As we stood the year before;

Give us whiskey; give us gin,

Open the door and let us in.

Or give us something nice and hot

Like a steaming hot bowl of pepper pot!"

From such humble and pagan rites around celebration of community and the meeting of contrasting groups, such as townsfolk and farmers, royalty and commoners, through masked rituals, the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia has roughly continued the history.  There are roughly 10,000 Mummers each year, who are organized into groups and have their costumes and performances judged for a title.  Some of the parade groups don't even have to face the elements of Winter and parade outside, but compete completely inside in a controlled atmosphere.

This is a performance based ritual involving a whole city.  Philadelphians and tourists come to Philadelphia to watch and the roads around the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Town Hall are closed off for the parade.  There is a museum dedicated to the Mummers at 1000 South 2nd street.  The parade allows for the continuation of nostalgia through a historical reenactment.  

References: www.phillymummers.com and www.wikipedia.com