Mythology Comes Alive - The Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Mural celebrating the annual parade of mermaids and other sea creatures, in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
The parade begins
Mermaids and Other Sea Creatures
Thousands flock to Surf Avenue on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice, June 21st, for the annual Mermaid Parade. (Note: 2021 the parade took place in September due to Covid). The tradition began in 1983, conceptualized and organized by Dick Zigun, founder of Coney Island, USA, a non-profit arts organization defending the honor of American popular culture. The event, the largest art parade in the United States, has no ethnic, religious or commercial associations and includes marching bands, antique cars and floats, along with the scantily-clad aquatic oddities.
This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!
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Belly dancing mermaids on the boardwalk
Each year the Mermaid Parade features a King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. The end of the parade is marked with the founder, Dick Zigun, leading the King and Queen to the beach for the official Beach Ceremony and opening of the ocean for the summer swimming season.
Coney Island Mermaid Parade Kings and Queens of the past have included Deborah Harry, Queen Latifah, Moby, Lou Reed, Cutis Sliwa and Harvey Keitel.
What you should know:
The parade route gets very crowded.
The subway is the best way of getting there.
The parade usually starts off at 1:00 pm.
Dress for the beach.
Location:
Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
For more information: Coney Island
