The Mermaid Parade is Coney Island's brightest summer highlight.

The Mermaid Parade is Coney Island's brightest summer highlight.
The Mermaid Parade is one of New York City's most vibrant, colorful, and highly anticipated summer events. Created by the legendary artistic director of Coney Island USA, Dick Zigun, it is produced by the nonprofit arts organization Coney Island USA.
This year, the Mermaid Parade was once again held on a spectacular scale, stunning spectators with its imagination, beauty, and festive atmosphere. Magnificent vintage automobiles cruised along the famous Surf Avenue, from which participants greeted the throngs of spectators. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by talented musicians in vibrant costumes, fairytale cartoon characters, and a multitude of participants whose extraordinary costumes resembled mysterious jellyfish, sea nymphs, mermaids, regal Neptunes, and fantastical creatures of the ocean depths, as well as vibrant dance troupes, brass bands, decorated strollers, and colorful floats. Every detail of this celebration showcased the boundless creative energy of the residents of the five boroughs of New York City and visitors alike. After all, seeing something unusual, beautiful, or amazing brings a smile to a person's face. And a smile can change a mood, bring positive emotions, and leave warm memories that last for years to come. Isn't it happiness to dress up nicely, leave the house and spend a day off among happy people, music, sun and the ocean breeze?
The Mermaid Parade celebrates the artistic imagination and talent of ordinary people. Since 1983, it has remained the country's largest arts parade. Surprisingly, there are still New Yorkers who have never seen this unique spectacle on Brooklyn's legendary Surf Avenue, even though the internet makes this wondrous and beautiful event accessible to everyone.
Frankly, this isn't just a parade—it's a true celebration of creativity, freedom of expression, and good humor. Coney Island, with its picturesque promenade, golden beach, and endless ocean, has long been a magnet for people from all over the world, who come here for vibrant experiences and unforgettable emotions while supporting local businesses.
I had the opportunity to speak with parade participants, and many told me they eagerly await this event every year. They spend months creating their original costumes, planning their looks, and see their participation as an opportunity to bring joy to others and immerse themselves in the carefree atmosphere of the holiday.
I also spoke with parents who attended the parade with their children. They were delighted by what they saw and were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a family day in one of Brooklyn's most exciting neighborhoods. After the parade, many went for a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the ocean air, and buying ice cream for their children.
Enjoy every moment of life! Such events help us take a break from everyday worries, fill our hearts with light, and remind us how important it is to appreciate the simple joys that make our lives brighter and happier.
This wonderful celebration was made possible thanks to organizations that provided grants to support cultural events, as well as numerous sponsors. After all, holding a large-scale parade requires street closures and cleaning, public safety, and additional police and utility personnel. The program is partially funded by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. All this requires significant resources and investment, but the result is worth it: thousands of happy people have the opportunity to be part of one of New York City's most colorful and beloved celebrations.
Marina Lagunova