The tradition of the Coney Island Mermaid Parade began in 1983. It takes place every year by the sea in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, usually in mid-to-late June. The parade pays homage to the tradition of the Coney Island Mardi Gras parades of the very early 20th century, when Coney Island was at its zenith as the primary amusement destination for the great majority of the inhabitants of New York City. Similar in spirit to the annual Village Halloween Parade, the mermaid parade is the closest thing New York has to a Mardi Gras. Enjoy the photos