Secrets of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade

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It's about mythology of the sea but emphasizes self-expression

The parade was founded with three goals in mind. Not only does it bring mythology to life for local residents who live on Mermaid and Neptune streets, but it is meant to boost pride for the district, which is often disregarded as "entertainment." Finally, it's all about giving artistic New Yorkers a place to express themselves fully in public.

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It was almost a Fourth of July parade instead

In the early 1980s, Coney Island USA decided to put together an annual parade to showcase art in a way the entire community could enjoy. The organization had first attempted to coin a Fourth of July parade and was denied by Coney Island's Community Board.

"We were told, 'It's too busy that day, pick any other day in the summer,'" Zigun said. "Which is ironic, because now [the Mermaid Parade] rivals with the Fourth of July as the busiest day of the year for Coney Island."

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The parade isn't all about being topless

In fact, going topless isn't even encouraged at the parade. This may come as a surprise to anyone who has seen photos of the mermaids who choose to bare their midriffs (or more) while in costume.

"The parade isn't as 'nudey' as people say it is," Zigun said. "I'd rather it be known as an art parade than encourage nudity." Nudity is accepted, but isn't the focus of the event. The art is.

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It was almost canceled in 2013 because of superstorm Sandy

Much of Coney Island was hit hard by superstorm Sandy and because of mounting debt from rebuilding, the parade was almost nixed. But Zigun launched a Kickstarter campaign for the parade, seeking $100,000 to help with repairs. The goal was met and the parade went on as planned.

Coney Island USA held another Kickstarter campaign in 2017 because the parade had grown difficult to manage and become increasingly expensive. Zigun said the public and a couple of generous donors raised the $50,000 needed to cover the bills.

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It’s the largest art parade in the nation

The Mermaid Parade doesn't have ties to any ethnic, religious or commercial groups, as many popular parades in New York City do. Instead, the main focus is to showcase art through self-expression while boosting community morale. According to Zigun, it's the largest parade of its kind in the United States.

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There are Mermaid Parade copycats around the globe

Coney Island USA has to send at least five cease-and-desist letters to Mermaid Parade copycats around the world each year, Zigun said. The organization most recently noticed parades in Portland, Oregon and Chicago, attempting to replicate the Brooklyn-born event.

"We don't mind nautical parade themes, but don't steal our name, idea or ceremonial traditions," Zigun warns future imitators.

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Cars used to drive on the boardwalk during the parade

Cars have been banned from the Coney Island boardwalk by the NYC Parks Department since the 1990s. But before that, the cars included in the Mermaid Parade used to be allowed to drive down and soak in the ocean view. Fifty cars are still part of the event each year, but when the parade reaches West 10th Street, they're forced to continue down Surf Avenue while the marchers head toward the boardwalk, Zigun said.

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You can’t ask participants to pose for photos

If you want to get a good shot of the mer-creatures participating, you'll have to break out your wallet. The only spot where you're allowed to take posed photos is in the staging area, Zigun said -- and it'll cost you $20.

If you do try to interfere with the march once it begins, the NYPD won't hesitate to ask you to leave.

"It's a huge free party for 800,000 people," Zigun said, so regulations like this have to be set in stone to keep everyone safe.

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Some well-known merpeople have become 'king' and 'queen'

Each year a merman and mermaid king and queen are selected, and there have been some famous faces among the colorful crowd.

This year's king and queen are author Neil Gaiman and singer Amanda Palmer. Previous kings and queens include Adam Savage, Lou Reed, Adam Richman, Curtis Sliwa, Queen Latifah and Moby. In 2017, Blondie's Debbie Harry and Chris Stein had the honors.

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Want to win the costume contest? You can bribe the judges

Bribing the parade's judges is not only allowed, it's encouraged. Trophies are given out to those who have the most creative costume and to those who give the panel free food, alcohol, money or art, Zigun said.

"Our ideal judges are inebriated, inept and corrupt," he added. "That's the way we like it."

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An elephant once walked among the mermaids

In a parade full of fictional sea creatures, some real-life animals have made appearances as well. In 2010, an elephant with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus walked Surf Avenue during the event.

Horses and dogs also have marched, but Zigun says he isn't fond of animals participating due to the crowded streets and high temperatures. "We don't forbid animals, but we want people to be humane and realize the ramifications which could be detrimental to their health," he said.

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Couples have tied the knot in the middle of the parade

Five couples have decided to hold their wedding ceremonies right in the middle of Surf Avenue during the Mermaid Parade, Zigun said. This couple said "I do" on June 24, 2006, photographer Joe Gallo said. Gallo volunteered his photography services for their special occasion.

Those who register to walk in the parade have to provide a description of what they intend to wear and do, but it's often very vague, Zigun said. That leaves room for an element of surprise, such as a wedding, to take place each year.

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Most people miss out on the ‘best part’ of the parade

After their march down Surf Avenue and across the Coney Island boardwalk, Zigun joins King and Queen Neptune in a ceremony on the pier to officially "open the ocean" for the season. Few people even realize that this opening ceremony takes place.

"What I think of as the best part of the parade, most people miss," Zigun said. He explained that the Mermaid Parade is actually a prelude to a West African ceremony for the summer solstice. Drummers leading the march carry baskets of fruit to be offered to the water gods. When the parade ends, the king and queen cut through four ribbons, representing the changing seasons. Zigun holds up the "key to Coney Island" and "opens up the ocean" for the summer.