Brooklyn’s annual Mermaid Parade is one of the most unique and enjoyable traditions New York City has to offer. Held every year in June, the parade draws crowds from around the world to see the colorful costumes and exuberant festivities. As they have many years before, the CCIP (www.theccip.com) exchange visitors traveled to Coney Island to partake in this one-of-a-kind experience.

This year marked the 36th year for the parade. As the name suggests, participants dress as mermaids and other sea-related creatures, and each year the costumes seem to get a little more elaborate than the year before. It was a beautiful day and the group of exchange visitors relished the opportunity to take photos and appreciate all the wild sights.

Activity coordinator Lily Chan from the Education University of Hong Kong was all smiles as she enthused about the day. “We were told that this would be a unique experience, but that´s an understatement, “ Lily said. “Every time I look at these pictures from today in the future, I´m going to remember how much fun I had in New York."

Coney Island is one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods and makes for the perfect, eclectic backdrop for the Mermaid Parade. Millions of people walk the beaches of Coney Island each year, so it perfectly represents what makes the city a global crossroads that draws people from every country in the world.

"There’s always something new to see here,” said Renee Yan, another one of the activity activities. “Being part of CCIP has already given me so many new experiences, and the summer’s only just begun."