Since 1983, mermaids, neptunes, and other sea creatures have been arriving in New York to take part in a dazzling and spectacular parade through the streets of the legendary Coney Island neighborhood.
Coney Island is a beachside district in southern Brooklyn, New York City. It became world-famous for its historic amusement parks, especially Luna Park, home to the legendary Cyclone roller coaster (in operation since 1927) and the unique Wonder Wheel (since 1920). The area is also known for its wide sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean and its long wooden boardwalk — the Coney Island Boardwalk — which gradually turns into the promenade of the Brighton Beach neighborhood.
Every year, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade attracts tens of thousands of people, bringing together a carnival, an art festival, a performance
show, a protest, and a family-friendly celebration of freedom and creativity — all in one big event.
In 1983, the parade was conceived and organized by Dick Zigun, the self-proclaimed Mayor of Coney Island and founder of the arts organization Coney Island USA. He was inspired by European street festivals and New York’s DIY spirit.
Originally, the parade was intended as a way to revive the summer culture of Coney Island — a resort area that had fallen into decline. Since then, it has become a cult event: today, it’s the largest art parade in the United States, attracting up to 5,000 participants and more than 800,000
Each year at the Mermaid Parade, a King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are chosen — titles often awarded to creative and influential individuals who are connected to the art, history, or culture of New York City and Coney Island. These may include artists, musicians, actors, community leaders, or simply bold and unforgettable personalities.
In 2024, the title of King Neptune was awarded to artist and performer Joe Coleman, while the title of Queen Mermaid went to his wife, photographer Whitney Ward. Both had participated in the parade for many years and were well known for their unique costumes and contributions to the cultural life of Coney Island.
This year, at the 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade, the organizing committee selected a porn actress as Queen Mermaid for the first time in the event’s history.
Despite having previously performed as part of the underground music duo Sateen before entering the adult industry, she is best known to male audiences — for example, in 2025, she was once again awarded Best Orgy Scene.
The title of King Neptune this year went to Eugene Hütz — a Ukrainian-American singer, actor, and the legendary frontman of the band Gogol Bordello.
“It’s a great honor for me to be the first. Obviously, it’s very important to represent sex workers. I know porn stars are the most public-facing among them, but I’m proud to represent the sex worker community at such an iconic and well-known New York institution,” Queenie said in an interview with The Post on Thursday at her home in Bed-Stuy.
The parade brings together people of all ages, professions, and cultures. Everyone and everything is welcome here. As one participant told Brooklyn Magazine:
“It may sound cliché, but we’re all part of the ocean. We’re all part of the underwater community — and all sea monsters, fish, mermen, and mermaids are welcome here.”
The parade was also accessible to everyone
Since the parade is also a platform for expression, the photos clearly reflect what’s on New Yorkers’ minds in the summer of 2025.
For example, the debate over building a casino on Coney Island.
Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a touch of politics.
Without a doubt, the Mermaid Parade is a vibrant, open, and boldly expressive march. Pink was definitely a favorite among the crowd.
As you can see in the photos, the atmosphere was fantastic — everyone was relaxed, laughing at themselves and each other, sharing their mood with those around them, and celebrating the first day of summer 2025.
Law and order were maintained by local police officers. The police and the mermaids quickly became friends.
Some were already getting ready for the upcoming Christmas season — for example, “Hungry Santa” was already offering to be booked in advance for the winter holidays.
By the way, due to the neighborhood’s proximity to Brighton Beach, many people were speaking Russian.
Even those who didn’t take part in the parade but were simply watching did their best to support its spirit with their energy and enthusiasm.
But some grew tired and couldn’t handle the 100F heat.
But most, of course, were smiling.
You can see more than 200 photos from the 2025 Mermaid Parade in New York City by following this link on Flickr.