The Hague – On June 21, the longest day of the year, Scheveningen transforms into a shimmering sea of tails, tridents, pirates, whales, and every imaginable ocean creature. The Mermaid Parade — the Dutch homage to Coney Island’s iconic event — returns to the boulevard with a full day of activities celebrating creativity, community, and clean oceans. The parade has been held annually since 2010 and is dedicated to raising awareness for clean seawater, with proceeds going to a charitable cause each year.
460 words – 2 minutes
A Full Day of Ocean‑Themed Festivities
The Mermaid Parade is more than a procession — it’s a full festival stretching from sunrise to deep into the night. According to the official programme, the day unfolds as follows :
- 07:00–09:00 — Beach Cleanup (Strandjutten) Participants gather at the Kurhaus for an early‑morning beach cleanup, followed by a communal “Sea Breakfast.”
- 10:00–18:00 — Mermaid Convention For those who prefer a later start, the convention offers talks, activities, and community gatherings focused on ocean health.
- 19:00–20:00 — The Mermaid Parade The main event. Everyone is invited to join — dressed as mermaids, whales, pirates, octopuses, or any sea creature. The parade marches along the beach to advocate for clean water.
- 20:00–21:00 — Mermaid Race A delightfully absurd tradition: participants sprint 100 metres over sand, 50 metres through the water, dive under, and race back — all while wearing a mermaid tail. The winner earns the title of fastest mermaid in Europe.
- 21:00–02:00 — Night Party The day ends with a beach party celebrating the start of summer and the shared mission of protecting the sea.
A Parade With a Purpose
The Mermaid Parade is not just spectacle — it’s activism wrapped in glitter. Since its founding, the event has raised funds for causes ranging from wildlife protection to disaster relief. Past beneficiaries include the National Wildlife Federation (2010), the Japanese Red Cross (2011), and conservation projects in Uganda (2012). Nowadays they raise money for the annual World Water Day river clean up
Schools, environmental groups, and even political parties regularly join the parade, making it one of the most eclectic and community‑driven events on the Dutch coast.
Inspired by New York, Rooted in Scheveningen
The Dutch Mermaid Parade draws direct inspiration from the legendary Coney Island Mermaid Parade, but has developed its own identity — more environmental, more family‑friendly, and unmistakably Dutch. Its setting along the Scheveningen coastline, near landmarks like De Pier and the bustling boulevard, gives it a uniquely local flavou .
Why June 21 Matters
The parade always takes place on Midsummer, the moment when the Netherlands tilts into the warmest stretch of the year. It’s a symbolic date: a celebration of light, water, and renewal — fitting for an event dedicated to protecting the sea.
Practical Information
- Date: Sunday, June 21
- Location: Scheveningen Beach, The Hague
- Main Parade Start: 19:00
- Website: Zeemeerminnenparade.nl