The Mummers Mardi Gras celebration moves to South Philly

The annual Mummers Mardi Gras celebration is taking place in South Philly on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, instead of on Main Street in Manayunk, where the celebration had taken place since it began in 2014.

The Mummers are moving to the 2300 Arena at 2300 S. Swanson St. after the board of the Manayunk Development Corp. voted to end the event on Main Street. The parade, which will take place inside and outside the arena, runs from 1 to 5 p.m. with entry at noon for VIP ticket holders.

All 16 of the Mummers string bands played during last year’s parade, and last year Eagles center Jason Kelce participated, playing alongside the Avalon String Band.

The event costs $10 for general admission. VIP tickets cost $25 and include early entry along with access to a reserved seating area near the stage. VIP ticket holders will also receive a goodie bag, a drink ticket, and a bag of potato chips.

Representatives for the Mummers said tickets were required because of the rental fees associated with the arena. They also hope that the string bands, which have been struggling financially for years, according to John Pignotti Jr., president of the Mummers String Band Association, will receive as much financial support as possible from ticket sales.

Tickets can be purchased the day of, and may be purchased in advance at mummersmardigras.com.