The Dark Side of the Mermaid Parade

Most stereotypes of the Mermaid Parade are heavy on the gawking and light on clothing. And while it’s no secret that you can expect to see a whole lot of boobage every year at the parade, I have some serious admiration for those who dare to venture to the dark side. As with the hugely-creative mermen, I must pay my respects to all those who who bring the imaginative, the dangerous, the post-apocalyptic, the goth, and the death-defying feats every year to Coney Island.

Some of my most favorite costumes this year fell into this camp, including the group of brave souls who hauled heavy Blade Runner-esque android junk the entire length of the parade. The sharks were hugely memorable, too – what make-up artistry and attitude! Check out some wonderful shots below of the Mermaid Parade’s mysterious underworld.

“Bite,” by Travis Keyes:

Untitled, by Stan Raffes and “#132 on Surf Ave,” by Pat Merino:

“Vampire Pirate,” by Scott Lynch:

“Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2012,” by Scott Lynch and Untitled, by Taras Hnatyshyn:

“Shark,” by Scott Lynch:

“Slither,” by Travis Keyes and Untitled by Rob Feiner:

Untitled, by Taras Hnatyshyn:

“Sea Zombie,” by Travis Keyes and Untitled, by Oscar Rivera: