Mermaids Take Over NYC: The 2025 Coney Island Mermaid Parade

BY MARK CHESNUT

Every June, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade attracts lots of glitter, camp, and people willing to turn themselves into sequined sea creatures just for the fun of it. This year was no exception.

I’ve been to a lot of parades, but few match the wild creativity, weird beauty, and general fabulous chaos of this one. It’s a bit like one of the smaller, more creative Mardi Gras parades — and it’s one of my favorite annual parades in the Big Apple, despite the long schlep to Coney Island. The trip is worth it, as the boardwalk becomes a catwalk for crustaceans and sirens, and the energy is pure aquatic anarchy—in the best way.

There’s just something about the vibe: the sea breeze, the dance parties and the way everyone—merfolk and landlubbers alike—gets caught up in the celebration. I’m always blown away by the costumes, whether they’re handmade masterpieces or last-minute genius. After the marching was done, we ended up at a bar to dance with some of the fishy revelers. After all, this isn’t just a parade—it’s a party.

Find more of my photos and videos from the event on my Departure_Level Instagram feed.