Uniquely NYC
Mermaid Parade
The Mermaid Parade is an original creation of Coney Island USA, a
not-for-profit arts organization. Since 1983, the parade has taken place
every year in Coney Island on the third Saturday in June. The Mermaid
Parade originated to help preserve the tradition of Mardi-Gras type
events that were popular in Coney Island between 1903 and 1954. It is
the nation's largest art parade and one of NYC's greatest summer events.
It is a celebration of the sun, sand, sea, the salt air and beginning of
summer. An ocean-themed event, it features Neptune, mermaids, mermen and
many fantastic sea creatures.
The event allows for participants to show off their shiny scales and
elastic flippers, as the most outrageous and flamboyant hand made
costumes are paraded in front of amused spectators. Many even leave
their clothing at home and simply cover their bodies with artful body
paint, which is also mostly ocean-themed. An integral part of the
festivities is a medley of antique cars, marching bands, drill teams and
the odd yacht pulled on flatbed. The parade rolls down from West 21st
Street and Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, and continues east to West 10th
Street, before turning south towards the Boardwalk.
Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid preside
over the parade. They open the summer swimming season by marching down
the beach from the Boardwalk, cutting through ribbons representing the
seasons, and tossing fruit into the Atlantic to appease the Sea Gods. In
the past, celebrities like David Byrne, Queen Latifah, Ron Kuby, Curtis
Sliwa, Moby, David Johansen and Harvey Keitel have reigned over the
parade.
The parade wouldn't be a success without the many volunteers who come
out to help every year. They assist with registration, check-in,
merchandising, security, wrangling, survey taking and various aspects of
production.
The parade is followed by the Mermaid Parade Ball, an annual
extravaganza, where the parade participants and spectators get together
to mingle, listen to live music, purchase raffle tickets and watch
burlesque and sideshow acts performed by many of NYC's sultriest
burlesque stars.