The 40th annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns this year. It is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events.

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade specifically was founded in 1983 with 3 goals: it brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as “entertainment”; and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public.

Unlike most parades, this one has no ethnic, religious, or commercial aims. It’s a major New York holiday invented by artists! Its participants are dressed in hand-made costumes based on themes and categories, resulting in the flourishing of frivolity, dedication, pride, and personal vision that has become how New York celebrates summer.

Review the route map to find a prime location for the parade and check out Coney Art Walls while you’re there!