On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the iconic Coney Island Mermaid Parade made its vibrant return to Brooklyn, New York, with thousands of people flooding the boardwalk to celebrate marine culture and artistic expression. This cherished tradition, which first graced the streets of Coney Island in 1983, continues to be a beacon of community spirit and colorful creativity.
The Mermaid Parade is a one-of-a-kind event, famous for its flamboyant and imaginative display of sea-themed costumes and performances. Participants of all ages, dressed as mermaids, sea creatures, pirates, and oceanic mythological beings, paraded along Surf Avenue and onto the boardwalk in a festive atmosphere brimming with music, dance, and cheers from enthusiastic spectators.
Now in its 43rd year, the parade featured over 3,000 costumed participants and attracted an estimated 800,000 visitors. The procession began at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, traveled east to West 10th Street, and looped down toward the boardwalk, ending at Steeplechase Plaza under the famous Parachute Jump. The parade ran from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, continuing rain or shine, true to the resilient spirit of Coney Island.
For many attendees, the Mermaid Parade is more than just a celebration of summer; it’s a living testament to New York City’s tradition of free expression and inclusivity. Entire families, performance groups, local artists, and even tourists dressed up to be part of the experience, each showcasing their creativity and personal flair.
One standout participant, Jessica Ramirez from Queens, wore a hand-sewn octopus costume featuring moving tentacles. “This is my fifth year in the parade,” she said. “Every year I try to outdo myself, and every year the crowd just gets more amazing. It’s like Halloween in June, but with glitter and fish scales.”
Local businesses also enjoyed a significant boost from the influx of parade-goers. Restaurants, novelty shops, and food stalls reported increased sales throughout the weekend. Coney Island USA, the nonprofit arts organization that hosts the parade, emphasized that the event supports not just artists but also the neighborhood’s economic ecosystem.
Beyond its festive charm, the Mermaid Parade carries cultural weight. It reflects the enduring appeal of grassroots art movements and the value of public space as a platform for imaginative expression. It has become a must-see for both locals and visitors, drawing comparisons to Mardi Gras for its exuberance and creativity.
This year, however, the parade unfolded under a cloud of concern regarding the area’s future. A proposed casino development has raised alarms among community leaders and arts advocates. The construction project threatens to disrupt events like the Mermaid Parade and may displace cultural institutions.
Adam Rinn, Artistic Director of Coney Island USA, voiced his worries. “If this project goes forward, our building will be surrounded by construction for years. It’s going to affect access, our visibility, and our ability to draw in visitors,” he explained. “We’re not against development, but it must respect and preserve what makes this community unique.”
Despite these concerns, the 2025 Mermaid Parade was a jubilant success. Organizers, volunteers, and attendees worked in unison to keep the celebration alive and authentic. This year’s King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, typically celebrities or notable locals, added flair and led the procession in regal oceanic attire, symbolizing the parade’s royal connection to sea mythology.
Families gathered on blankets and lawn chairs, children played in the sand adorned in sparkly fins and painted faces, and street performers entertained the crowd with acrobatics, live music, and bubbles floating through the salty air.
The Mermaid Parade remains a quintessential New York City experience that uplifts spirits, strengthens community bonds, and reinforces the vital role of art in public life. With its mix of tradition, flamboyance, and civic pride, it continues to enchant generation after generation.
