PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/15/12 -- Each year on New Year's Day, Philadelphia is home to the Mummer's Parade, an event which is thought to be the oldest folk festival in the U.S. This year, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown is offering a package designed to help visitors experience this parade at its best.

The Mummer's Parade incorporates local clubs who compete in one of four categories (comics, fancies, string bands, and fancy brigades) by preparing elaborate costumes and movable scenery. While the route of the parade has changed over the years (alternating between Broad Street and Market Street), it usually begins at 9 a.m. and ends some time before 8 p.m. This year's parade will run on Broad Street from South Philadelphia straight through Center City, with the climax of the event taking place at City Hall and the PA Convention Center where the official judging takes place.

This downtown Philadelphia hotel package includes two tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Sometimes described as a cross between a Broadway show and Mardi Gras, the Mummer's Fancy Brigade Finale is a two-and-a-half hour stunning, colorful, high-energy showcase of 10 masterfully choreographed, four-and-a-half-minute routines to high-energy music. More than 2,500 Fancy Brigade performers, divided among 10 Fancy Brigade clubs, work for one full year to create the themes, costumes, props and drills that comprise the show and dazzle the audiences. Performers, from children to seniors, volunteer their time and raise money for their clubs so, on this one day -- New Year's Day -- they can don bright, glittering, sequined costumes, dress up in colorful masks and make-up; and perform dance routines and drills, all in front of set pieces and props that soar 24-feet high.

The Mummer's Package at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown includes the following:

• Deluxe accommodations at our Philadelphia luxury hotel
• 2 tickets to the Fancy Brigade Finale with a choice of the 12 noon or 5 p.m. shows (located in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, center section)
• Breakfast for two in the hotel

This package is priced from $275 per room exclusive of taxes and is available for the night of December 31, 2012 only. Bookings must be made by December 24, 2012. To book this package, visit www.marriott.com/specials/mesOffer.mi?marrOfferId=791452&displayLink=true and use promotional code YX1 or call (800) 228-9290.

The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel commands a towering presence in the heart of America's original capital. Surrounded by rich revolutionary history and culture, this hotel in Philadelphia exceeds the expectations of leisure travelers. For those attending the Mummer's Day Parade Fancy Brigade Finale, the hotel is just next door to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Additionally, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are both located within 8 blocks. A collection of restaurants in downtown Philadelphia are located on-site or within walking distance of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown hotel, in addition to the city's best shopping and entertainment venues. Easy to reach by any mode of transportation, the hotel is just one mile from the 30th Street Train Station and nine miles from Philadelphia International Airport. For additional information, call 215-625-2900 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phldt-philadelphia-marriott-downtown/.

About Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

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