Few events represent New York City's audacious spirit like the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island. The annual event, now in its 37th year, was attended by FUSIA/CCIP exchange visitors with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.theccip.com). These visitors, all from Eastern Asia, witnessed one of the region’s greatest traditions.

For almost four decades, the Mermaid Parade and Festival has drawn thousands of spectators from all around the world. Each year, a new King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are crowned, and they then lead the procession. This year’s royalty were Arlo and Nora Guthrie, major figures in the Folk music tradition of America.

Attendees dress up as mermaids and other sea creatures or exotic characters. It's a colorful, exuberant affair. The exchange visitors, who are all interning at organizations across the Five Boroughs, were in awe of the event. While they are in New York, the group will attend a number of cultural events and festivities. None of them, though, can compare to the Mermaid Parade for sheer spectacle.

"The parade was incredibly lively, with performers dressed up in all sorts of flashy costumes ," said Minton, who is a student at Nanyang Technological University. "Since the event was held right next to Coney Island’s theme parks, there was no shortage of things to do, especially during the intermissions. I managed to sample some street food, and even try out a roller coaster ride with a friend."

Connie, a student at Nanyang Technological University, said "I see people wearing bizarre dress, dancing and singing with a strong passion. The inclusive culture and diversity of this place is shown by the confidence of people in the parade. No matter black and white, young and old, short and tall, thin and fat, people all passionately and confidently join the parade."

Sherry, also a student at Nanyang Technological University, said "Mermaid parade is an entirely new and refreshing experience. Singapore has parades too but not to this extent. The costumes are amazing and the theme is something unique to the Asian eyes. People were really open and receptive. It’s great how there’s so many people who participated in the parade. The mermaids and mermans, the costumes and ideas were astoundingly beautiful and great."