The Mummers have long faced criticism for their insularity, but now they're opening up the parade to a more diverse stable of troupes.
The Mummers Parade, a long-running and extravagant Philadelphia New Year's celebration that has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and racial insensitivity, will welcome performances by ethnic groups for the first time this year, organizers said.
The change will help ensure the 115-year-old tradition — often called the city's version of Mardi Gras — continues and thrives, Mummers spokesman George Badey said.
Among the new participants is the San Mateo Carnavalero, a Mexican heritage organization.
"The Mummers aren't being dragged kicking and screaming into this," Badey said Tuesday. "The Mummers are full partners in this quest to make the parade more diverse."
Original source: The Associated Press via
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