Nothing like the straightest dudes in Philadelphia dressing in drag to welcome in the New Year. Hell yea! What a tradition. Their founding fathers wore silk stockings, makeup, and frilly cotton white shirts so they’re going to wear silk, makeup, and frilly cotton white shirts. Not much has changed and the tea still isn’t safe, if you know what I mean. This was a lot of fun to put together! A good dive into 2 Street if you’ve never been and wondered what it’s like. Also 2 Street? 2nd Street? Who cares what you call it as long as you promise to have a good time at the craziest party in Philadelphia to kick off the New Year:

I can’t get enough of 2 Street, even before I started making these videos. It’s just an awesome time. Parishes mixing with other parishes. Neighborhoods hanging out with other neighborhoods. The partying, the jubilation from the bands learning they won something they’ve been working for all year in the middle of it, open container central, people in their houses offering you beers and food as you walk by. All of it. I know some people hate the “backpackers” who invade the city from the suburbs, but as long as people are having a good time I don’t see why that’s a problem. All the bands have their private clubs they get to hang in anyway. Shout out to the Avalon String Band for the hospitality you show this backpacker every year! Having people experience it from all parts of the Delaware Valley is what helps continue the legacy of 2 Street. And the cops down there do a great job policing it. There are rarely any issues since I’ve been going. It’s just a fun gathering spot with friends after the Mummers parade to go drink some beers and walk up and down the street. Good luck getting into one of the bars. I recommend grabbing a 12 -pack, walking up and down the street, participating in some Eagles chants, and enjoying the festivities.

It was good to be back for the first time in two years. Didn’t get to see Aunt Ang during this one, but there’s always next year to get the roast pork and all that other shit:

@kylepagancb

Going back to 2 Street tonight and I hope Aunt Ang is there waiting with roast pork and all that other shit #mummers #newyears #2street #2ndstreet #southphilly

♬ original sound – Kyle Pagan