Any mummers 'lowed in?
Mummering is perhaps the most cherished Christmas tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Also known as janneying in some regions of the province, mummering involves dressing up in disguise and going door-to-door in your neighbourhood, having a cup of tea or some booze with the homeowners, and seeing if they might guess who you are.
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The
Act To Make Further Provisions For The Prevention of Nuisances, which was passed in 1861 in response to the murder of Issac Mercer of Bay Roberts by mummers, outlawed the practice. The Act, however, was only enforced in urban areas.
Mummering continues unabated in rural areas - and although the practice of visiting strangers all but died out in St. John's, mummering between family and friends always went on.
Today, an official Mummers Festival is reviving the practice in urban areas, drawing thousands of people who parade through Downtown, Georgestown, and surrounding residential areas. Hundreds of people open up their homes and everyone has a wonderful, festive time.
Here are some scenes from today's events.
Toronto's crack-smoking mayor made an appearance.
Note the rest of the crowd two old town blocks down. There are thousands and thousands of participants - even when the park in front of the rooms is filled with mummers singing and dancing, there are still hundreds more making their way through the residential areas.