Welcome to the Festival of Many Colors
What is it? An event series combining three Philadelphia traditions of bright colors, costumes, and public celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Who’s Involved? The Mummers Museum is hosting this festival, it features performers and craftspeople from Mummer clubs of all divisions, Philly Caribbean Carnival, and Carnaval de Puebla en Philadelphia, and it’s free and open to everybody.
Why are we doing this? To show off the beauty and talent of our traditions to our Philadelphia neighbors, to encourage new people to get involved, and to celebrate the spirit of community that makes this country great.
How do I get involved? We are actively seeking volunteers, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Mike Carwile (Member, Mummers Museum Board of Directors) at 856-905-2576 or carwilemichael@gmail.com
All events take place at the Mummers Museum, 1100 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Festival of Many Colors Calendar
Get to know the traditions of Mummery, Caribbean Carnival and Carnaval de Puebla through an evening of entertainment, refreshments, and a panel discussion with leaders of the three traditions reflecting on history, commonalities and hopes for the future.
Work together with fellow attendees to create a Mummer backpiece from cardboard, satin, sequins, and plumes attached to a metal frame. Try it on at the end of the workshop and look out for it in next year’s Mummers Parade.
Make a traditional Zacapoaxtla headdress from brightly colored paper and ribbons as worn in the Carnaval de Puebla.
Get to know the history and culture behind Steelpan drums and the Soca music that provides the soundtrack for Caribbean Carnival, and try your hand at playing the drums.
Learn about the tradition of political satire in the Comic Division of the Mummers Parade using costuming, prop-making, skit choreography, and narrative to communicate a powerful message in 2 minutes!
Learn the ways in which Carnaval de Puebla members in Zacapoaxtlas and Zapadores costumes dance and learn the story behind these movements.
Get to know the style and history of Mummer String Band performance and learn to play a simple, classic Mummer song. Parts for saxophone and strings will be available. Some musical instrument experience is encouraged.
The Huejotzingo Carnival, in the state of Puebla, is one of Mexico’s most spectacular and deeply rooted festivals. Its music, a blend of marches, sones, and dances, is the soul of the celebration. Become immersed in its rich musical tradition and learn about the music that brings life to the “battalions” of sappers, zouaves, Indians, and highlanders. Some musical instrument experience is encouraged.
Come together in a group dance in the style of a Mummer Fancy Brigade performance, and get a taste for what it takes to put on a show like they do at the Convention Center on New Year’s Day.
Take part in a hands-on journey through the creative process of Caribbean Carnival costume design. Learn the fundamentals of mas—from sketching initial concepts and selecting vibrant fabrics to bringing full costume pieces to life through guided production, celebrating self-expression and craftsmanship.
Combine dance and musical elements of Latin American/Caribbean rhythms into a dance workout. In addition to stamina training, fun is the main focus, resulting in fun and motivating group workouts.
Festival of Many Colors – Spring Festival
May 17, 2026
Entertainment, food, and crafts from the Mummers, Caribbean Carnival, and Carnaval de Puebla at the Mummers Museum. More details coming soon!
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Further sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Mike Carwile (856-905-2576, carwilemichael@gmail.com).
Who We Are
Philly Caribbean Carnival
Philly Caribbean Carnival has been taking place in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for the last 20 years, drawing on a tradition of celebration that goes back centuries to Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands. It combines African and European influences into days-long street festivities full of striking costumes and lively music. Philly Caribbean Carnival attracts masquerade bands from up and down the East Coast, and Philly-based carnival bands travel to compete in other regional and international carnivals.
Learn more:
Carnaval de Puebla en Philadelphia
Carnaval de Puebla en Philadelphia has been taking place for the last 18 years in South Philly. The tradition was brought to Philadelphia from the Huejotzingo region of the Mexican state of Puebla, where a Carnaval has been celebrated since 1893, commemorating victory in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This Carnaval includes five distinctive costumed battalions, each representing a different facet of Puebla history and culture. Philadelphia’s Carnaval de Puebla is the largest on the East Coast and attracts participants from across the United States and Mexico.
Learn More:
Philadelphia Mummers
The Philadelphia Mummers Parade began in 1901, formalizing a tradition of street masquerading that dates back to the earliest days of Philadelphia. It draws from the many groups who have made their homes in this city, from the Finns and Swedes, to the English, Irish, Germans, African Americans, and others, combining these influences into a tradition of elaborate costumes, satirical performances, and a distinctive string band musical tradition. The Mummers Parade is the oldest folk parade in the United States.
Learn more through our website or visit the Mummers Museum at 2nd Street and Washington Avenue in South Philly!