Parade welcomes ethnic groups after insensitivity complaints

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Mummers Parade, a long-running and extravagant Philadelphia New Year's celebration that has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and occasional racial insensitivity, will have a performance division specifically for ethnic groups for the first time next year, organizers said.

The change will help ensure the 115-year-old tradition - often called the city's version of Mardi Gras - continues and thrives, Mummers spokesman George Badey said.

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