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All the United States New York State New York City Brooklyn Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Coney Island Mermaid Parade

The famed amusement district marks the beginning of summer with a wild procession of nautical creatures.

Brooklyn, New York

Added By
Andres Schiffino
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Revelers are often noted for their glamour and artistry.   Stinkie Pinkie/cc by 2.0
Revelers are often noted for their glamour and artistry.   Stinkie Pinkie/cc by 2.0
Creative costuming is highly encouraged.   Steve Pisano/cc by 2.0
  Anna Minster / Atlas Obscura User
A couple play to the crowd.   jlkenlon/cc by 2.0
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About

For many of the devoted visitors to Coney Island, summer doesn't really start till the Mermaid Parade marches down Surf Avenue. Promoted as the United States's largest art parade, the Mermaid Parade encourages parade participants and bystanders to dress up in a dazzling array of costumes, usually nautical themed. 

The parade started in 1983 by the "unofficial mayor of Coney Island" Dick Zigun with the intention of fostering community pride and artistic expression. The Mermaid Parade has since grown to be one of the major parades in New York City, with over 3,000 people participating from all over the city and beyond.

An early forerunner to the modern  Mermaid Parade were the Mardi Gras parades that amusement promoters hosted in Coney Island from 1903 to 1954. The current promoters of the Mermaid parade also cite traditional African water festivals and ancient Greek and Roman pagan revelries as inspiration. 

Much like other parades, the Mermaid Parade features floats, antique cars, marching bands, and costumed parade goers. Trophies are given to parade attendees for various categories. The competition is friendly, but the judges heavily encourage bribing.

A King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are crowned as part of the festivities. Past honorees include hip icons such as Deborah Harry and Chris Stein from Blondie, Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman, Lou Reed, and Laurie Anderson. The king and queen start the parade by throwing fruit off Steeplechase Pier into the ocean as an offering to the gods of summer. The royal couple later dance the night away at the Mermaid Ball after the parade.

Related Tags

Mermaids Parades Rites And Rituals Festivals Tradition

Know Before You Go

Check the parade's website for information on each year's date and how to register. Since the streets will be closed off for the parade, it's best to take public transportation. You can take the D, Q, N or F train to Stillwell Avenue.

Community Contributors

Added By

Andres Schiffino

Edited By

Anna Minster

  • Anna Minster

Published

June 4, 2019

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  • https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/remembering-coney-island-nearly-forgotten-mardi-gras-article-1.2530827
  • https://www.amny.com/secrets-of-new-york/secrets-of-the-coney-island-mermaid-parade-1.11835094
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, New York, 11224
United States
40.574583, -73.987632
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Nearby Places

Childs Restaurant Building

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

Coney Art Walls

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

Coney Island Creek

Brooklyn, New York

miles away

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Brooklyn

New York

Places 241
Stories 46

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Brooklyn, New York

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Brooklyn, New York

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Brooklyn

Brooklyn

New York

Places 241
Stories 46

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