No Brooklyn summer is complete without the annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. An ongoing tradition since 1983, the Mermaid Parade is now the largest--and possibly craziest--art parade in the United States.
Every year, on the first Saturday of the summer, parade participants create floats and don their best mermaid or sea creature costumes, then march as a group to the beach, where the summer swimming season is officially begun by cutting through ribbons. Fruit is thrown into the Atlantic Ocean to appease the Sea Gods.
The parade is traditionally followed by a ball with live music and burlesque shows.
Mermaid Parade Basics
- Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn
- Parade path: Begins at West 10th St & the Boardwalk, goes to West 16th St & the Boardwalk, then turns east towards Surf Ave, where it ends at West 10th St
- Nearest subway: D, F, N, or Q to Stillwell
- Date: First Saturday of the summer, rain or shine
Mermaid Parade History
From 1903 to 1954, Coney Island celebrated Mardi Gras; the Mermaid Parade commemorates that celebration. The parade was created in 1983 by the non-profit group Coney Island USA.
The Mermaid Parade Today
Today's parade is led by two different celebrities each year, one acting as "King Neptune" and one acting as "Queen Mermaid." Past royalty members have included Moby, Queen Latifah, and David Byrne.
With renovation slated for Coney Island, the future of the Mermaid Parade as it exists today is dubious. Twenty-five years of tradition remain, though, and even with reconstruction, it's likely that the parade will live on.
