30 Philly Traditions That Confuse Literally Everyone Else But Makes Perfect Sense If You’re From Here

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We aren’t lying when we say there’s no place like Philly. Notably, Philadelphia has its own rhythm, its own vocabulary, and definitely its own traditions— the kind that leave tourists confused while local don’t blink an eye. From holiday rituals that look straight out of another universe to year-round habits rooted in deep neighborhood pride, Philly culture is wonderfully weird, widely unique, and fiercely loved.

Whether you grew up here or found your way later in life, you quickly learn that certain things only make sense in this city. So here are 30 Philly traditions that confuse literally everyone else but feel perfectly normal to us.

30 Philly traditions that confuse literally everyone else but feel perfectly normal to us

1. Starting New Year’s Day with the Mummers Parade, sequins, strut and all.
2. Calling everything “jawn” with total context-based confidence
3. Celebrating Wawa like it’s a national holiday.
4. Eating water ice no matter the season.
5. Drinking “wooder”.
6. Booing our own sports teams… out of love.
7. Calling highways by their numbers, not their names.
8. Parking in the middle of Broad Street for no reason.
9. Arguing about cheesesteak spots like it’s politics.
10. Claiming neighborhoods like territories.
11. Call the Market-Frankford Line “the El.”

12. Celebrating Hoagiefest like it’s Thanksgiving
13. Expecting SEPTA to be late but being shocked anyway.
14. Wearing Eagles jerseys to weddings, graduations, anywhere.
15. Calling it “center city” not downtown.
16. Being fluent in Philly slang
17. Insults and curse words are actually terms of endearment.
18. Saying “jimmies”‘ not sprinkles.
19. Tailgating for literally anything (sports, concerts, Tuesdays).
20. The official start of the spring season is signaled by the sound of dirt bikes.
21. Taking any Eagles disrespect personally.
22. Using your car hazard flashers as an excuse to park anywhere.
23. Honking at drivers doing the speed limit.

24. Calling it the Rocky Steps when it’s really the Philadelphia Art Museum steps.
25. Knowing how to actually drive on ‘The Drive”.
26. Going down the shore = taking a trip to the beach (probably Wildwood, NJ).
27. No one likes us but we don’t care.
28. Calling Christopher Columbus Blvd, Delaware Av
29. Knowing deep in your soul that Philly is the best city in the world — chaos and all.
30. GO BIRDS!