A spectacle of sea creatures strutted down Surf Avenue in Coney Island for the 41st annual Mermaid Parade.

“I wanted to be the colorful pastel princess mermaid of the sea. I was like everything must be colorful,” said Jocelyn Williams, a mermaid and parade participant.

Thousands of fired up fans took in all the sites and sounds as some 3,000 mermaids marched along the boardwalk.

“I just love that it’s an opportunity to bring everyone together for something really positive,” said Immodesty Rose, a burlesque performer.

Also on the parade route were marching bands, drill teams, antique cars and colorful floats.

For participants and spectators alike, this parade is about self-expression and artistry.

“I think it gives us room to explore and as burlesque performers, we’re always looking to push that envelope, do something more, be as blingy and as out there as possible, so that was the goal for today,” said Rose.

Mermaid-core has made a major comeback in 2023 thanks to “The Little Mermaid” remake.

Paradegoers say the film has ignited a newfound love and appreciation for sea dwellers.

“It’s definitely more people of color dressing up as mermaids because of this movie and I’ve seen many floats where everybody is dressed up, kids are dressed up as "The Little Mermaid," so this definitely has a lot to do with it,” said longtime paradegoer and Brooklyn native Kim Smalls.

Fans say the Mermaid Parade means a lot to Coney Island and Brooklyn as a whole, as it coincides with Pride Month and the official start to summer.

“It’s just a beautiful experience,” said Jen Jenny, a parade participant. “There’s nothing in the world like this. Everybody is so excepting. We’re celebrating summer, we’re celebrating solstice, the summer and especially after the pandemic, we can really come together as one and really celebrate with each other.”