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New York Post
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Coney Island Mermaid Parade makes a splash once again
The Coney Island Mermaid Parade made quite a splash once again. The 43rd annual event — the nation's largest art parade — welcomed revelers close from the Big Apple to around the world, many donning over-the-top aquatically-themed costumes for the tropical festivities. 'It's a great expression of people's creativity,' gushed Noella Owen, 53, of Brooklyn, who attended with her two children, aged 11 and 12. Advertisement The trio, who show up annually, hand made their marine-centric ensembles. 'My kids are dressed as krill and they wanted me to be a blue whale because of their fat jokes,' Owen said. 6 Many came to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade donning aquatically-themed costumes. Michael Nagle Advertisement The joyfully unconventional parade kicked off at 1 p.m. and the crowd quickly swelled to 30,000, which included marchers, spectators and those on the boardwalk, according to police. Caroline Northrop, 44, a public school teacher from Atlantic Highlands, N.J., also expressed her love for the unique 'celebration of creativity.' '[It] shows so many people are still creative even with AI everywhere, it's so refreshing,' said Northrop, who donned a 'woodland enchantress' outfit decorated with fake mice. 6 The joyful event dates back to 1983. Michael Nagle Advertisement 6 Victor Gonzales spent a month creating his outfit. Khristina Narizhnaya Victor Gonzales, 39, a civil engineer who lives in Queens, dressed as a lion fish, and said it took him one month to painstakingly create the costume. 'Because I have to sew, I have to do this structure. I have to design the makeup as well. Today, [it took to get dressed] probably about two and a half hours … I have to glue on the paper things,' he explained. Each year, a new King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are crowned — Ukrainian-American singer and Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hütz and Bed-Stuy based pornstar Queenie Sateen were awarded the day's honors. Advertisement 6 Eugene Hütz and Queenie Sateen were crowned King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. Michael Nagle 6 There were 30,000 at the festivities, according to police estimates. Michael Nagle Hütz, who has been living in New York since 1997, was not only finally able to attend this year, but take on the venerable title. 'Every year I hear about it and … some kind of a big splashy burlesque action … and I'm always on tour,' he said. 'And all these years go by like that, let's finally see it already, you know? And then this year, miraculously, we're touring in the later part of the summer, not earlier part of the summer. And I get a call, so it's like, you know, 10 out of 10.' 6 Paula Carlson dressed as a 'more modern mermaid.' Samantha Olander Paula Carlson, 47, of Bay Ridge, a retired emergency manager, dressed as a 'more modern mermaid' in homage to Hütz. 'I wanted to pay tribute, because it is Eugene [Hütz as King Neptune] and he's Ukrainian, to the Rusalka, which is the Ukrainian myth of the mermaid, and she brings water to all of the crops.'
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Coney Island Mermaid Parade guide
We hope you've been stocking up on glitter and nautical attire: The Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns as one of the best Brooklyn attractions for its 43rd year! Thousands of spectators flock to Surf Avenue—Coney Island's main drag—each year to watch King Neptune and Queen Mermaid lead a procession of glittering, semi-nude marchers in costumes during one of the best NYC events in June. The annual event, started by Coney Island USA founder Dick Zigun in 1983, has become a neighborhood mainstay. Read on for everything you need to know about the event, from how to join, where and when the parade starts, and more. Don't miss your chance to enjoy a whimsical and wild afternoon at one of the best New York beaches! What is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? Half-naked mermaids and mermen and other creatures covered in glitter and scales invade the streets of Coney Island for this annual bacchanal by the sea. With thousands of spectators, it's known as the nation's largest art parade. When is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is on Saturday, June 21, kicking off at 1pm—rain or shine. This year's forecast is expected to be toasty with temperatures in the mid-80s, so do your best to stay cool. Where is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? The Mermaid Parade begins at Surf Avenue and W 20th Street, traveling along Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk before ending at Steeplechase Plaza. For the best chance of getting a good spot, show up by 11am. Or if you're willing to shell out $200, you can become a Coney Island USA member and snag a spot in the coveted Judge's Stands. Who are King Neptune and Queen Mermaid this year? This year's king will be Eugene Hütz of punk band Gogol Bordello and singer Queenie Sateen Every year, the King and Queen are wheeled through the parade in an antique wicker boardwalk rolling chair from 1923. Then, at about 4pm, they'll be led to the beach at 19th Street and the boardwalk for a ceremony formally opening the ocean for the summer swimming season. How can I participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade? You still have time: There are various registration levels—for families, 'artsy marchers,' antique cars and more—and different fees apply for each one. As of now, registration is closed online, but you can register in-person (cash-only) starting at 10am on the day of the parade. All the details are available at Coney Island USA's website.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Stand with Ukraine' candlelight vigil for heroes at Oceanfront
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association will 'Stand with Ukraine' Friday night at the Oceanfront. The 'Three Years of War Against Ukraine: Candlelit Vigil for Heroes' is at 6 p.m. near the King Neptune statue at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. 'Tonight, we will have a vigil … not just for Ukraine heroes who fought and put their lives for Ukraine,' said Dr. Anna Makhorkina, an Old Dominion University faculty member with expertise in international affairs and Eastern European politics, as well as the president of the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association. 'These heroes fought for Ukraine's independence and continue fighting for freedom. They're really fighting for all of us. The concept of freedom, the concept of independence, the concept of sovereignty, that is what they're fighting for. 'When we light the candles tonight, it will not just be for Ukrainian fallen heroes, it will not be just Ukrainian fallen soldiers, but it's also for fallen soldiers everywhere in the world who were fighting for their independence.' Russia seems to have time on its side as the war in Ukraine reaches its third year On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine while demanding that NATO abandon membership for Ukraine. Makhorkina told Thursday that Ukrainians around the world commemorate the 'Heavenly Hundred' who died 'standing up for all the principles that are so close and dear to our hearts in our democratic world.' 'Those fallen defenders of independence that were killed in February 2014 during the 'Revolution of Dignity,'' Makhorkina said. 'The Revolution of Dignity was when Russia manipulated Ukrainian elections. Russia wanted to install its puppet Yanukovich, in Ukraine as a president. [The] Ukrainian people had enough. Ukrainian people were ready to officially be a part of Europe, to join the European Union, to have prospects to join NATO. They had enough of Russian oppression and Russian puppeteering for decades. Ukrainians stood up. There was a revolution. 'That was 11 years ago, Feb. 18 through 20. There was that apex of fighting in the Kiev. Ukrainians came from all over to support that freedom and independence. They could no longer agree to what Russia was telling them to do.' Russia launched a full-scale invasion three years ago, this month. 'Russia cannot really be an empire without Ukraine being part of it, so it's fighting hard for it. But Ukraine, is a sovereign country,' Makhorkina said. This week, national news outlets reported President Donald Trump falsely blamed Ukraine for starting the war and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a 'dictator.' The Old Dominion University staff member said recent comments made by Trump were shocking and hurtful. 'The initial reaction is disbelief and betrayal,' Makhorkina said. 'There are some things that you expect from your enemies. … You know what to expect. But when certain things are said [and done] from your friends, from your allies, from people (or countries) that you were looking up to and still are looking up to, that definitely hurts. It hurts and takes some time to regroup.' Makhorkina believes there is possibly a lack of understanding. 'There is this emotional, first reaction like, 'Wow, I did not see this coming,' in the way,' Makhorkina said. 'Then still, being hopeful because no matter what, the United States of America is literally the most powerful country in the world and its leader is also one of the most powerful leaders in the world. The explanation that I see is … possibly lack of understanding of the region, the history overall, a very powerful stream of misinformation and possibly manipulation.' Now the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association hopes to share the truth: 'Russia started the war.' 'Ukraine is a free and democratic country,' Makhorkina said. 'President Zelensky was elected by an overwhelming democratic vote. This war has been hard on the people. Ukrainians are used to fighting but this war, … it is brutal. No leader would probably sustain 100% or 85% support. … Unpopular decisions are made. President Zelensky still has approval of above 50% with how he is handling war.' 'In Ukraine's constitution, you cannot have elections under martial law and Ukraine is absolutely under martial law as long as the war continues. … Logically, with millions of Ukrainians displaced, buildings bombed … and with so many Ukrainians overseas, you cannot have elections under martial law.' Despite the recent false claims, Makhorkina remains hopeful that Trump will work toward a peace agreement with security guarantees for Ukraine and the return of prisoners, including children. 'Russia, if allowed, will not stop at Ukraine. Same as China, if given the opportunity, will not stop in Taiwan,' she said. 'Those threats are there. … We know that our American sons and daughters, our military, they will have to put boots on the ground and be much more involved and we can prevent it now.' The Hampton Roads-based group is grateful for the ongoing Americans support. 'President Trump has this amazing opportunity to go down in history as a maker of peace through strength,' she said. '… When he does it in a fair and strong way, he will have a lot of support on both sides of the aisle if if this is done right. There should be no negotiations with authoritarian regimes. Ukraine has to be at the table. Ukraine has to have a say in how to end this war. 'Every Ukrainian and American Ukrainian abroad is an ambassador. It's our responsibility to share the truth. Hopefully people will hear [us] and will check their sources. We'll dig a little deeper. Makhorkina said a peace agreement must: Provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees to deter any future Russian invasion Protect Ukraine's right to self-defense Ensure freedom for captive Ukrainians Ensure frozen Russian state assets that are used to compensate and aid Ukraine 'If President Trump is serious about reaching this peace, and I believe he is serious in ending this war,' she said, 'he will find millions of supporters on both sides of the Atlantic, on both sides of the political aisle here in the United States. If he is successful, he will go down in history as celebrated around the world, because this will be a great achievement.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
