Pics: Dancing mermaids on NY streets

Over 3,000 people showed up at Coney Island for the Mermaid Parade.

People were in high spirits as they took to the streets, dressed in colours of the rainbow, during the Mermaid Parade, which took place at Coney Island, USA.

A completely original creation of Coney Island USA, which is a not for profit arts organisation, the Mermaid Parade is USA's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events.

A celebration of ancient mythology and rituals of the seaside, it was attended by over 3,000 people.

The mermaid parade was founded in 1983 with three goals: to bring mythology to life for local residents who live on streets named Mermaid and Neptune; to create self-esteem in a district that is often disregarded as 'entertainment'; and to let artistic New Yorkers find self-expression in public.

Here are some glimpses of the event.

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Revelers at Coney Island in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. It is that time of the year when the island in New York turns into a sea of glitter, scales and fins.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Mermaid parade

A woman dressed as a mermaid in a handmade costume.
Unlike most parades, this one has no ethnic, religious or commercial aims. It's a major New York holiday invented by artists.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Mermaid parade

A participant takes shelter from the rain under an umbrella. Come rain or shine, people still show up in large numbers.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Mermaid parade

Here comes the Sea God! The rain seemed apt for the theme as revelers decked in glitter, fishnets and sea-clad costumes walked through the streets.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Is Julius Vontrapp, 31, of Jersey City, dressed like a witch doctor or a wicked clown?

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

Here's one gorgeous-looking evil sea villain. Mariel Arthur, 27, of Jersey City, at the Mermaid Parade.

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The mermaid parade

With a costume like that who needs to visit an aquarium?

Photograph: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images

The Mermaid Parade

Revelers pose for a picture between marching. Can you spot the Sea God enjoying the limelight with mermaids, pirates and people dressed as fish? What a sight they make in their costumes!

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

The mermaid parade

Meet the surfer with the flamingo float and the mermaid with a green-tailed skirt.

Photograph: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images

The mermaid parade

Children joined in the fun and came dressed in the theme too!

Photograph: Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images

Mermaid parade

These men surely know how to steal the attention from the lovely mermaids.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

The mermaid parade

It's a delight to watch these revelers in glittery costumes march through the neighbourhood.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images

The Mermaid Parade

Founded in 1983, the Mermaid Parade draws thousands of revelers to the beach each year.

Photograph: Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images