The 41st annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island in New York City made a colorful return as throngs of revelers dressed as sea creatures marched onto Surf Avenue for what organizers call the largest art parade in the U.S.
While some came to simply show off their fins and elaborate makeup, a strong contingent of mermaids came to represent Black mermaids everywhere. Attending in spirit, if not in person, was Halle Bailey, who has made a splash as the newest Ariel in Disney’s live-action version of “The Little Mermaid.”
King Neptune (this year it was hip-hop legend Kool Keith) and Queen Mermaid (Laurie Cumbo, the commissioner of New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs) celebrated along with fanciful aquatic monsters and mer-folk who traveled from all across the country to Brooklyn to flaunt their costumes as a form of artistic expression and self-expression.
From wearing handmade aquatic shell crowns to portraying the evil sea witch Ursula, participants in this year’s parade understood the assignment. Black mermaids talked in interviews about how powerful they felt in their skin — and tails — after having spent hours, in some cases, assembling breathtaking costumes.
"I've been working on my aquatic crown piece for two weeks, but I was conceptualizing long before that," Jacqueline Myers said. "I went to the pet store and bought all this aquarium stuff. It was my first time building a piece like this."
“The Little Mermaid,” which premiered in theaters last month, has inspired a new generation of fans while also facing backlash on social media for Bailey’s taking on the role of Princess Ariel.
"Halle Bailey auditioned for the role just like any actress does," said Ivan Perez, a student at the High School of Fashion Industries. "Disney did not go out and look for a specific person. She was the right person, and she just happened to be Black. The real story has nothing to do with her race. It has to do with her voice, and I cannot imagine someone else playing the part."
