Mermaid Parade makes return to Coney Island for its 40th anniversary
© Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Image by Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Written by Stella Chu
Photo Edited by Yanting Chen
This past weekend marked the return of the Mermaid Parade to Coney Island for the first time since 2019. Celebrating the arrival of summer, it's the largest art parade in the United States.
Founded by Dick Zigun, the parade started as a tradition in 1983 to celebrate artistic expression and bolster Coney Island pride.
© Ruben Natal-San Miguel
Every parade features a Queen Mermaid and King Neptune, and this year’s was cabaret artist Mx Justin Vivian Bond and former health commissioner for New York City Dr. Dave A. Chokshi.
Glittery fins, tails, shell bras, jewels, glittery scales, and elaborate headpieces donned the streets as thousands of participants marched in the parade and onlookers cheered on. The parade serves as a platform for all kinds of activism—pride flags and signs of protest accompanied the paraders as well.
Two protestors dressed in the iconic Handmaiden costume hold up signs: “Do not wade on my rights!” and “Keep your hands off my roe!”
© Ruben Natal-San Miguel
The parade started on West 21st and Surf Avenue and ended at Steeplechase Plaza where the paraders disbanded around 4 pm.
