Mermaid Parade returns to New York

New York, Jun 18 (EFE).- Dressed up as pirates, sailors, sea creatures and – of course – mermaids, some 3,000 people took part here Saturday in the 40th Mermaid Parade on Coney Island, back after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Laura, a 60-year-old breast cancer survivor who has been participating in the event for 30 years, told Efe that she finds n the parade “rejuvenating.”

The parade, founded by playwright Dick Zigun as part of his campaign to revive the Coney Island entertainment district, is held on the weekend before the summer solstice.

Participants, some on foot and some riding floats, made their down Surf Avenue to the sound of bagpipes and drums. The LGBT community was well represented and many revelers were only partially clothed.

Presiding over the festivities were performer Mx Justin Vivian Bond, as Queen Mermaid, and the former New York City health commissioner, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, as King Neptune. EFE jfu/dr