Celebrity Media Commentator: The 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade took place as scheduled at Coney Island in Brooklyn. Known as "New York's most creative and energetic" street culture celebration, the event once again ignited the summer spirit, blending art, fantasy, and community spirit into a dazzling urban carnival.
According to reports, this year’s parade attracted around 6,000 performers dressed in various “mermaid” and ocean-themed costumes — from traditional fishtail skirts to steampunk-style octopus armor, from shell suits to jellyfish skirts — all wildly imaginative and visually stunning. Dozens of themed floats, drum bands, and street dance groups gathered on the streets, forming a flowing "underwater world" under the blazing sun and sparking the imagination of every spectator.
It is worth mentioning that this year's coverage was enriched with photos and video materials provided by our special photographer RZ, allowing viewers to experience the festive atmosphere more immersively. It also deepens our understanding that culture does not only belong on the stage — it belongs to every creator on the street.
Not only were the performers full of passion, but the crowd also added a special flair to this grand event. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from New York and surrounding states packed the streets of Coney Island. As the parade passed, deafening cheers erupted from the sea of onlookers, transforming the streets into an ocean of joy.
This was not just an entertainment event but a manifestation of urban culture. New York City has long prided itself on inclusiveness, diversity, and creativity — and the Mermaid Parade is the epitome of this spirit. It breaks the conventional concept of festivals, encouraging citizens to express themselves through costumes, participation, and creativity. It also reflects Coney Island's transformation from a modest seaside amusement park to a beacon of avant-garde culture.
Of course, behind such a grand event lies a massive organizational effort. Volunteers, community groups, artists, and police worked together to maintain order and ensure the event ran safely and smoothly. It is this citizen-participation model of cultural operation that makes the Mermaid Parade not just a visual feast but a modern paradigm of democratic involvement and community cohesion.
In short, the Mermaid Parade is both a festive revelry and a vivid reflection of modern urban life. It shows us another possibility of city living — where people are not just hurried individuals but co-authors of a myth blending fantasy and reality.
