All seafaring creatures and landlubbers packed Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 40th annual Mermaid Parade.

“It speaks to an older tradition of Mardi Gras that the community had done up until about the 1950s,” James Fitzsimmons, director of Coney Island USA, said. “But it is completely of our own creation and it represents really the beginning of the height of the summer season for this community.”

It’s the first Mermaid Parade since 2019, before the pandemic.

And fans of the event were thrilled to be back at Coney Island to see the aquatic pageantry and take part in it themselves.

What You Need To Know

  • The Mermaid Parade in Coney Island returned for the first time since 2019

  • Thousands of people hit Surf Avenue to see colorful aquatic pageantry and costumes

  • Former city Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi was King Neptune and performer Mx Justin Vivian Bond was the Queen Mermaid

“I’m from Brooklyn I come to the mermaid parade every year. I’m so glad it’s back and I love the opportunity to dress up and see all the cool, weird things that are out here,” Dakotah Eddy said from crowd.

The parade attracts thousands of people from around the world.

For one couple, Trish and Erik Sabowski, the Mermaid Parade, was the backdrop for a special moment — their proposal at the 2019 parade.

“I like the extravagance. I like all the color and the glitter and I like being an event where that is completely,” Trish Sabowski said.

Former city Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi was King Neptune and performer Mx Justin Vivian Bond was the Queen Mermaid.

NY1 is a sponsor of the parade and NY1’s own Roger Clark was one of the judges for the costume awards.