The Coney Island Mermaid Parade festival celebrates the beginning of summer season and pays tribute to the early twentieth century Coney Island Mardi Gras. It was organized in 1983 by Dick Zigun, the founder of non-profit arts group, Coney Island USA. He is also sometimes

tagged as the Mayor of Coney Island. It is held annually on the first Saturday of mid to late June at Coney Island New York in the United States.

The participants dress themselves in hand made costumes as Mermaids, Neptune and various sea creatures flock to Coney Island to celebrate the festival. Every year a different King Neptune and a Queen Mermaid officially starts the Parade by cutting through ribbon which represent the seasons. Fruit is thrown into the Atlantic Ocean to appease the Sea Gods. The Parade is followed by a Mermaid Parade Ball with live music and sideshow acts performed by some of New York City’s hottest burlesque stars.