Annual Mermaid Procession Organized by Coney Island USA: 43rd Edition
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 1 p.m. - The Grand Spectacle of the Mermaid Parade Returns
Ya know, next week, Brooklyn baby, It's gonna be a wild one as Coney Island USA hosts the pulsating 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade on June 21st, 2025. Adorning the roles of King Neptune and Queen Mermaid, we've got none other than the enigmatic Eugene Hütz, frontman of the psychedelic Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello, and the captivating New York–based performer, Queenie Sateen[1][5]. So buckle up and dive deep, 'cause here's what's brewin'!
Touted as the nation's largest art parade, the Mermaid Parade is a spirited, colorful shindig that's the unofficial kick-off to summer in New York City[2]. It's a celebration of the ancient mythology and seaside rituals, with around 5,000 participants donning handcrafted sea-themed costumes. You'll also witness elaborate floats alongside marching bands, drill teams, antique cars and hundreds of thousands of spectators who gather to take in the spectacle[2].
Jamie Rinn, the Artistic Director of Coney Island USA, had this to say, “Our royalty this year are two extraordinary artists from the Big Apple.” Heilige darling, Rinn's a fan of Gogol Bordello from their early days, and Queenie Sateen…well, she's a fixture of the NYC scene with her release, 'Downfalling', dropping just a week after the Parade[3]. "These two boundary-pushing artists are going to bring the heat as our King and Queen!" Rinn exclaimed with enthusiasm[3].
As is customary, King Neptune and Queen Mermaid will be crowned on their antique wicker boardwalk rolling chair dating back to 1923, adding to the timeless essence of the event[5]. The Parade grand marshal will lead the royal duo in a procession to the beach at 19th Street and the boardwalk to officially open the ocean swimming season for the summer[4].
Ashore after the Parade, the King and Queen will head to the Sandbar at 5 p.m. for the Mermaid Parade Ball. Want the details? Wander on over to https://www.coneyisland.com/. Parade registration, route and FAQs can be found on the same website[6].
High-resolution press images are available for your viewing pleasure at the given links[6]. Keep in mind, these images were taken by the talented Eliza Rinn.
Curious about the history and inspiration of this unique event? ' Dear Ahab,' the Mermaid Parade was founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, the non-profit arts organization that also produces the Circus Sideshow, houses the Coney Island Museum, and brings a smorgasbord of culture to the district[7]. The Parade serves to honor Coney Island's forgotten Mardi Gras, blending a variety of inspirations to create a wonderfully eccentric event that's exclusive to the famed boardwalk[7].
Some notable past King Neptunes and Queen Mermaids include Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, David Byrne, Queen Latifah, Moby, Annabella Sciorra, Judah Friedlander, Deborah Harry, Chris Stein, David Johansen, Karen Duffy, Carole Radziwill, Harvey and Daphne Keitel, Joe Coleman, and Whitney Ward[7].
References:
[1] https://www.coneyisland.com/[2] https://www.coneyisland.com/[3] https://www.coneyisland.com/[4] https://www.coneyisland.com/[5] https://www.coneyisland.com/[6] https://www.coneyisland.com/[7] https://www.coneyisland.com/
About the King Neptune - EUGENE HÜTZ
If dive bars and CBGB were time capsules, we'd find Eugene Hütz lounging there, sippin' on some inspiration. This Ukrainian-born artist and songwriter caught the punk bug in Ukraine, and it was a fait accompli that he'd find the pulse of the scene when he landed in New York's Lower East Side in the late 90s[8]. Gogol Bordello, his 8-piece multicultural band, blends Eastern, Western, and Latin traditions, churning out energetic sounds that resonate with the masses[8]. A tireless advocate for Ukrainian solidarity, Hütz and his band recently released a 15-Year Anniversary Edition of their album, Super Taranta! and the hardcore sensation, Solidaritine[8].
About the Queen Mermaid - QUEENIE SATEEN
Queenie Sateen is a New York–based performer, singer, and songwriter whose work blends sleek pop, experimental sounds, and underground club influences. Born from her roots in New York's queer nightlife and performance scenes, Queenie's music is a visual and auditory feast that's sure to captivate the masses[9]. Her debut single, "Downfalling" will be released on June 27, marking the beginning of a body of work that marries emotional depth with pop sensibilities[9].
About Coney Island USA
Established in 1980, Coney Island USA is a non-profit, multi-arts organization on a mission to revitalize Coney Island's culture and economy[10]. With flagship events like the Mermaid Parade, the Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Film Festival, Burlesque at the Beach, and the prestigious Coney Island Museum, Coney Island USA is a cultural beacon in the heart of the amusement district[10].
For further details, please contact:
Adam Rinn - Artistic [email protected]
Partea's over, folks. Bye for now, and you better believe we'll see you at the 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. It's gonna be a wild one!
On June 21st, 2025, the captivating music of Gogol Bordello, led by their enigmatic frontman Eugene Hütz, will blend with the New York City culture at the 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade, creating a unique fusion of entertainment, history, and lifestyle. Following the parade, Queenie Sateen, a captivating New York–based performer with her debut single, "Downfalling," releasing just a week later, will assume the role of Queen Mermaid, adding another layer to the evening's entertainment.
