PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia launched its brand new holiday parade Saturday evening, in an effort to be more inclusive. The goal was to celebrate all of the winter holidays at once.
The floats featured community members singing, dancing and waving to spectators who lined Market Street from Old City to City Hall. Falicia and Jeanette were members of a gospel choir assembled on the Kwanzaa float.
"We hope we can bring some people some holiday cheer this holiday season," said Falicia.
"[Diversity] is part of our American history and that's what makes America," said Jeanette, "the diversity of the people here."
And Toni from Fairmount was impressed with all of the representation. "We are the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, so to show how united we are is really important," she expressed.
Her favorite part of the parade was the Chinese New Year float. "They're all beautiful, but Chinese New Year is really special," said Toni.
Unfortunately, Santa Claus couldn't make it, as he was very busy at the North Pole. However, his buddy, World Series-winning former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel borrowed one of his suits and substituted for him.