Coney Island's Mermaid Parade, which attracts thousands of revelers annually, held another sparkly event this year despite gloomy weather.
For three decades, the parade has encouraged New Yorkers to embrace seaside mythology, and to express their artistic side.
[seealso slug="weeki-wachee-mermaids"]
According to Coney Island's official website, "the Mermaid Parade specifically was founded in 1983 with 3 goals: It brings mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune; it creates self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as 'entertainment'; and it lets artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public."
We've compiled photos of mermaids and mermen, who flocked to West 21st and Surf Avenue for the festivities, below:
Attendees' makeup skills alone deserved their own parade.
I'm ready for the #MermaidParade as well as the most uncomfortable subway ride of my life. A photo posted by Dana Glover (@danaglover) on Jun 20, 2015 at 8:19am PDT
There were bejeweled lashes...
Mermaid day has begun!! #mermaidparade #mermaid #coneyisland A photo posted by Lulaverse By Emily Lula (@lulaverse) on Jun 20, 2015 at 8:19am PDT
...glittery pecs...
Thank you to wonderful talented friends @nircocastillo and @bodyartbytash for helping me pull this look together!! #MERMAID #REALNESS HAPPENING NOW. #CONEYISLAND #MERMAIDPARADE #CONEYISLANDMERMAIDPARADE #FIERCE #LEWKS #LQQKS #KWEENS #KWEEN #NEWYORKERS #GLITTERBOMB #GLITTER #instagay #gaysian #statue #statuesque A photo posted by STEVEN CHU | NYC (@chuubie) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:35am PDT
...and seaweed crowns as far as the eye could see.
More to come! #mermaidparade #coneyisland #mermaid #followtheglitter A photo posted by Camellia J. (@missminaminou) on Jun 20, 2015 at 8:39am PDT
Not to mention some pretty impressive fish-scale details.
Two fish out of the sea on the way to Coney Island. #mermaidparade #mermaidparade2015 #makeup #beautiful #mermaidmakeup #artistic #makeupart #fashion #highfashion #makeupaddict #design #love #friends #gold #jewelry #girls #costume #dress A photo posted by Cindy C. (@cindychenmakeup) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:49am PDT
Although the day was drizzly, it didn't put a damper on festivities.
It has begun! #coneyisland #mermaidparade A photo posted by Stephanie Russi (@tehrussi) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:35am PDT
Attendees carried umbrellas along with their tridents...
Seeing lots of these folks today #mermaidparade A photo posted by Meg Cotner (@megcotner) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:03am PDT
...while dressed in elaborate costumes.
Finally made it to this sparkling gala! #mermaidparade A photo posted by @arroklava on Jun 20, 2015 at 9:58am PDT
And the parade itself was no slouch, either.
#mermaidparade A photo posted by Tali Blankfeld (@photobytali) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:37am PDT
Mermaids were everywhere...
We are wishing all #mermaidparade #revelers a fantastic day despite the weather and welcome you to join us at @lucky13saloon for the unofficial #afterparty - all mermaids get half off their first drink tonight no matter what it is! Come on by & just mention you saw us on Instagram! We have #gogodancers #poledancers #booze #boobs #babes #beer #burlesquebabes #burlesque #mermaids #goddesses @yarrryarr behind the bar until 9pm & @lucky13queen after 9pm see you tonight!! #nocover #free #freeentry #brooklyn #parkslope #gowanus A photo posted by Lucky 13 Saloon (@lucky13saloon) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:35am PDT
...even little mermaids.
Little mermaid. Big mermaid. #coneyisland #mermaidparade A photo posted by molly electro (@mofr3sh) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:38am PDT
Several fun-loving pets got into the spirit, as well.
Sharkdog #mermaidparade #coneyisland A photo posted by Stephanie Lawrence (@slawrence343) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:58am PDT
But these mermaids and mermen don't swim to get around -- they take the subway instead.
On our way to #MermaidParade #characters #NYC #ConeyIsland bound A photo posted by David (@dboogie22) on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:36am PDT