2025 Portlandia Mermaid Festival
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival is finally here! Three days of mer-mazing events, one weekend!
The Sirens Ball- Friday July 25th (8pm-12pm)
A formal, merfolk themed gala event with food, libations, dancing, and more!
Accepting Vendor Applications! (See Sirens Ball tab for application link)
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade- Saturday July 26th (12noon-4pm)
A fun, free, family friendly, costumed merfolk promenade down the Portland Waterfront!
Accepting Vendor Applications! (See below for application link)
The PNW Mermaid Confluence- Sunday July 27th (10pm-4pm)
A one day mermaid convention at an aquatic center which will have open swim (in tails); workshops, training, vendors, and panels and more!
Accepting Vendor, Panelists, and Workshop Facilitator Applications!
(See mermaid confluence tab for application links)
A formal, merfolk themed gala event with food, libations, dancing, and more!
Accepting Vendor Applications! (See Sirens Ball tab for application link)
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade- Saturday July 26th (12noon-4pm)
A fun, free, family friendly, costumed merfolk promenade down the Portland Waterfront!
Accepting Vendor Applications! (See below for application link)
The PNW Mermaid Confluence- Sunday July 27th (10pm-4pm)
A one day mermaid convention at an aquatic center which will have open swim (in tails); workshops, training, vendors, and panels and more!
Accepting Vendor, Panelists, and Workshop Facilitator Applications!
(See mermaid confluence tab for application links)
More event de-tails coming soon!
Check out web-page tabs for more info!
Parade Location
Gather @ Japanese Historical Plaza along Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Located between NW Davis and Burnside along the downtown waterfront.
Located between NW Davis and Burnside along the downtown waterfront.
Parade Event Schedule
12 noon Opening Ceremony Begins
1:00pm Parade Line Up Starts
1:00pm-1:45pm Parade Procession in Progress
2:00pm Group Photo on Poets Beach
2:00pm-4:00pm Mermaid Beach Party
1:00pm Parade Line Up Starts
1:00pm-1:45pm Parade Procession in Progress
2:00pm Group Photo on Poets Beach
2:00pm-4:00pm Mermaid Beach Party
Parade Route
The parade route will take approx. 30-45 minutes depending on the size of our group. We will launch from the Japanese Historical Plaza and casually make our way down the waterfront to Poets Beach! The route is along flat sidewalks, no streets, and is ADA friendly. Individuals utilizing mobility devices may need assistance getting on to the beach. There is a paved pathway that leads down to the sand.
Become a Vendor
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is accepting a limited number of vendors.
The following restrictions apply :
PLEASE GO TO APPLICATION LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:
The following restrictions apply :
- Vendors may only have a single 6 X 4 ft table only, (NO pop-ups!)
- Vending Time is from 2pm-4pm.
- Vendors must supply their own table and chairs.
- No power or wifi
- We are a leave no trace event
- Ocean, water, mermaid themed wares or items only
- Handmade items preferred
- Trinket Trading welcome
PLEASE GO TO APPLICATION LINK FOR MORE DETAILS:
MER-AMBASSADOR CONTEST 2025
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
Q. What does it mean to be a Mer-Ambassador?
ANS. Mer-Ambassador is a person who is formally appointed by the Portlandia Mermaid Parade to represent and promote its values, and mission to help build community and awareness. The role of Mer-ambassador has a term of one year, and once in that role, individuals have an obligation to complete a minimum of two community service activities or projects before their term is up. (Please see contest application for more details). The Portlandia Mermaid Parade also encourages Mer-Ambassadors to continue to spread the joy and magic of mermaiding to others in the community and to use their role to advocate for water and ocean stewardship. We also encourage the Mer-Ambassadors to include the other ambassadors and court members in their community service endeavors.
Q. Can I nominate someone to be a Mer-Ambassador?
ANS. No. However, if there a special person who you think would be a great candidate, please encourage them to apply!
Q. When will winners be announced?
ANS. Winners will be announced and coronated at the Portlandia Mermaid Parade on Saturday July 27th as part of the opening ceremony which starts at 12noon.
Q. What makes for a competitive application?
ANS.
Essays and videos which are authentic and communicated in the applicants’ own words.
Entries in which the applicant clearly demonstrates enthusiasm and knowledge of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade and its values.
Entries that effectively address each of the essay/video questions in good depth.
Entries which have completed all the required documents and are submitted by the deadline.
Q. Can applicants receive help from family or friends to complete the application process?
ANS. There may be components of the process in which young children may need technical assistance, such as filing out the online form, parental permission slips, liability waiver, photo release, video recording, emailing in the essay/video etc. However, children should be encouraged to write the essay or speak in their video as authentically as possible in their own words. The more authentic the application the better! Family and friends should not be writing the essay or scripting the video for their children, though loose creative guidance of course is welcomed.
Q. What if the applicant has not been actively involved in the community or project can they still apply?
ANS. The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is seeking outstanding young individuals who are taking initiative to be the change. Change occurs on small and big levels. We encourage applicants to reflect on the different types of interactions, activities or projects however great or small that they may be a part of. There are three age categories for applicants. Judges will be evaluating engagement based on age-appropriate activities. For example, a young child may not be actively involved in a community project, but perhaps they lead by example around others or their siblings? Perhaps they are passionate about swimming or demonstrate great compassion and empathy towards others? Maybe there was an outstanding essay they wrote for class on water or ocean life that made an impact on fellow classmates or the school in some way? Whatever it is we want to hear about it! It is up to the applicant to effectively communicate all the wonderful things they do or are a part of!
Q Is the contest welcoming of individuals not assigned female at birth, or non-female identifying people?
ANS. YES! Mermaiding is a general term to describe the art, hobby and profession of swimming and performing as a merperson. The Mer-Ambassador contest is inclusive to all gender identities, orientations, backgrounds, races, ability and body types and more!
Q. Is the Mer-Ambassador Contest a ‘beauty contest’?
ANS. NO! Applicants are evaluated based on the level of creativity in their application, overall quality of essay or video entry and their contributions to their community, whether small or large. Judges will also be examining the applicant’s overall commitment to the art or mermaiding, and water/ocean stewardship, and authenticity. The beautiful qualities we seek are on the inside!
Q. Do I have to have experience as a swimming merperson to qualify?
ANS. No, applicants do not have to have experience as a merperson to qualify, however it will be important for the applicant to demonstrate or communicate their personal connection to water, why they want to be a Mer-ambassador, and what they plan to do for the community as a Mer-ambassador if they win.
Q. What happens if an applicant does not win?
ANS. All Mer-Ambassador candidates are inducted into the Portlandia Mermaid Parade Royal Court and will be granted a sash and recognition and will have an opportunity to lead the parade behind the Mer-Ambassador winners. Candidates who do not win the award may choose to re-apply the following year.
Q. Can a former Mer-Ambassador run again?
ANS. No, terms are limited to one year only.
ANS. Mer-Ambassador is a person who is formally appointed by the Portlandia Mermaid Parade to represent and promote its values, and mission to help build community and awareness. The role of Mer-ambassador has a term of one year, and once in that role, individuals have an obligation to complete a minimum of two community service activities or projects before their term is up. (Please see contest application for more details). The Portlandia Mermaid Parade also encourages Mer-Ambassadors to continue to spread the joy and magic of mermaiding to others in the community and to use their role to advocate for water and ocean stewardship. We also encourage the Mer-Ambassadors to include the other ambassadors and court members in their community service endeavors.
Q. Can I nominate someone to be a Mer-Ambassador?
ANS. No. However, if there a special person who you think would be a great candidate, please encourage them to apply!
Q. When will winners be announced?
ANS. Winners will be announced and coronated at the Portlandia Mermaid Parade on Saturday July 27th as part of the opening ceremony which starts at 12noon.
Q. What makes for a competitive application?
ANS.
Essays and videos which are authentic and communicated in the applicants’ own words.
Entries in which the applicant clearly demonstrates enthusiasm and knowledge of the Portlandia Mermaid Parade and its values.
Entries that effectively address each of the essay/video questions in good depth.
Entries which have completed all the required documents and are submitted by the deadline.
Q. Can applicants receive help from family or friends to complete the application process?
ANS. There may be components of the process in which young children may need technical assistance, such as filing out the online form, parental permission slips, liability waiver, photo release, video recording, emailing in the essay/video etc. However, children should be encouraged to write the essay or speak in their video as authentically as possible in their own words. The more authentic the application the better! Family and friends should not be writing the essay or scripting the video for their children, though loose creative guidance of course is welcomed.
Q. What if the applicant has not been actively involved in the community or project can they still apply?
ANS. The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is seeking outstanding young individuals who are taking initiative to be the change. Change occurs on small and big levels. We encourage applicants to reflect on the different types of interactions, activities or projects however great or small that they may be a part of. There are three age categories for applicants. Judges will be evaluating engagement based on age-appropriate activities. For example, a young child may not be actively involved in a community project, but perhaps they lead by example around others or their siblings? Perhaps they are passionate about swimming or demonstrate great compassion and empathy towards others? Maybe there was an outstanding essay they wrote for class on water or ocean life that made an impact on fellow classmates or the school in some way? Whatever it is we want to hear about it! It is up to the applicant to effectively communicate all the wonderful things they do or are a part of!
Q Is the contest welcoming of individuals not assigned female at birth, or non-female identifying people?
ANS. YES! Mermaiding is a general term to describe the art, hobby and profession of swimming and performing as a merperson. The Mer-Ambassador contest is inclusive to all gender identities, orientations, backgrounds, races, ability and body types and more!
Q. Is the Mer-Ambassador Contest a ‘beauty contest’?
ANS. NO! Applicants are evaluated based on the level of creativity in their application, overall quality of essay or video entry and their contributions to their community, whether small or large. Judges will also be examining the applicant’s overall commitment to the art or mermaiding, and water/ocean stewardship, and authenticity. The beautiful qualities we seek are on the inside!
Q. Do I have to have experience as a swimming merperson to qualify?
ANS. No, applicants do not have to have experience as a merperson to qualify, however it will be important for the applicant to demonstrate or communicate their personal connection to water, why they want to be a Mer-ambassador, and what they plan to do for the community as a Mer-ambassador if they win.
Q. What happens if an applicant does not win?
ANS. All Mer-Ambassador candidates are inducted into the Portlandia Mermaid Parade Royal Court and will be granted a sash and recognition and will have an opportunity to lead the parade behind the Mer-Ambassador winners. Candidates who do not win the award may choose to re-apply the following year.
Q. Can a former Mer-Ambassador run again?
ANS. No, terms are limited to one year only.
Merfolk & Social Justice
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A letter to our Portland community...
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade openly supports the pursuits of racial equity and justice. We support a reimagining of public safety; a vision that includes restorative justice, and an END to institutional violence, and white supremacy, and an END to the killing and murders of black citizens. Black Lives Matter, period. The wisdom of the merfolk stems from depths of consciousness, and egalitarian values which support truth and justice. For too long white culture has perpetuated perceptions of our world as being made up of entirely of white, thin, cis gendered females. Our world is far more diverse and colorful than the imagination of colonial history would tell you!
Here on land there is much work to be done to dismantle racism. The mermaid industry is no exception. Often these sub-communities (despite their intentions) simply become microcosms of the greater social ills of human society. People often view racism as some large social issue happening somewhere “out there” rather than an issue happening ‘right here’. Many Americans narrowly define racism as only overt violence or egregious behaviors towards people of color. Folks that don’t participate in those behaviors often think that they are not complicit or participating in a system of racism, so they exempt themselves from critical self-reflection. They will vehemently deny any responsibility or complacency. Racism is far more complex and often includes less overt behaviors, words, and thoughts that occur in our daily lives-- be it at home, in the work place, hobby circles, or in places of racial comfort. To dismantle racism, we must go inward and unpack our own implicit bias. We must be willing to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to discomfort so we can become consciously aware of the myriad of ways our racist culture has shaped and conditioned our thinking. Even the greatest allies among us have serious work to do.
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is committed to hearing and doing the difficult work of vulnerability. White silence is violence. The fear of the loss of white support, money, and social capital often prevents groups, organizations and businesses from speaking out in matters of injustice. We are not afraid to speak the truth that needs to be said. Those who would no longer support the parade after hearing this truth, are not those we would wish to align ourselves with. We shall stand on the right side of history. This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of human rights, and the values of democracy. We stand and rise with you. Black mermaids matter! Black and brown lives matter! There can be no justice, until there is justice for all.
Here on land there is much work to be done to dismantle racism. The mermaid industry is no exception. Often these sub-communities (despite their intentions) simply become microcosms of the greater social ills of human society. People often view racism as some large social issue happening somewhere “out there” rather than an issue happening ‘right here’. Many Americans narrowly define racism as only overt violence or egregious behaviors towards people of color. Folks that don’t participate in those behaviors often think that they are not complicit or participating in a system of racism, so they exempt themselves from critical self-reflection. They will vehemently deny any responsibility or complacency. Racism is far more complex and often includes less overt behaviors, words, and thoughts that occur in our daily lives-- be it at home, in the work place, hobby circles, or in places of racial comfort. To dismantle racism, we must go inward and unpack our own implicit bias. We must be willing to allow ourselves to be vulnerable to discomfort so we can become consciously aware of the myriad of ways our racist culture has shaped and conditioned our thinking. Even the greatest allies among us have serious work to do.
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is committed to hearing and doing the difficult work of vulnerability. White silence is violence. The fear of the loss of white support, money, and social capital often prevents groups, organizations and businesses from speaking out in matters of injustice. We are not afraid to speak the truth that needs to be said. Those who would no longer support the parade after hearing this truth, are not those we would wish to align ourselves with. We shall stand on the right side of history. This is not a matter of politics, but a matter of human rights, and the values of democracy. We stand and rise with you. Black mermaids matter! Black and brown lives matter! There can be no justice, until there is justice for all.
Black Mermaid Book List
Mermaids Have Always Been Black
A relief sculpture of the goddess Mami Wata on the wall of a voodoo temple in Benin.
NEW YORK TIMES- Opinion July 10th 2019
Mermaids Have Always Been Black
By Tracy Baptiste
As a young child growing up in Trinidad and Tobago within sight and walking distance of the Caribbean Sea, I was gripped by the intrigue of mermaids. I was introduced to one version of a mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, whose tale of a magical girl creature, an impossible location and an outrageous desire was thrilling.
But I already knew mermaids. We spent most weekends on the beach. There were plenty about. Every cousin, aunt and uncle who threw me in the waves and laugh-shouted at me to swim back to shore seemed to know that we were all part of the sea.
My father, in particular, was a surrogate Poseidon. He would strike out into open water, disappearing for minutes at a time behind huge waves, then appear again, hanging off the side of a fishing boat, where he rested, chatted with the fishermen and then swam back to shore. I didn’t need a Danish fairy tale to tell me that he was part fish. By the time I came across Andersen’s tale, I already knew that mermaids were black and brown people: my family. Besides, what happens when you stay out on the sea? You get darker and darker, deepening to shades of black and brown that glow from absorbing the sun.
It was in this state last week that I first heard about Disney’s decision to cast the black teenage actress and singer Halle Bailey (of Chloe x Halle fame) in the title role for “The Little Mermaid,” and the flood of white people’s tears over it. When the announcement was made, I was swimming in the sea off the Bahamas, getting sunburned as fish swam past me. A lifeguard had just warned me that there were baby sharks about. Was I concerned? Honey, please. This was my natural state.
Back in my hotel room, I turned on my phone for a bit, and several notifications came in, people tagging me in social media posts. The Wi-Fi was spotty, so it was another day or so before I figured out what was going on. I laughed. It was so laughable, this idea that a mermaid couldn’t be black. Didn’t they know?
When I wrote Mama D’Leau into my series of middle grade novels, The Jumbies, I didn’t have to stretch my imagination very far from home. Aiming at kids who don’t know Caribbean folklore, and Caribbean parents who maybe had forgotten it, I reimagined supernatural creatures I had known since I was a child.
Mama D’Leau in the oral tradition was huge and hideous, fierce and unstoppable. She ruled the water, both river and sea alike, and reveled in upturning fishing boats by whipping her powerful anaconda tail and watching her victims drown in the blue. As a young feminist, I was delighted by the idea of such a powerful and free woman, the murder notwithstanding. In my story, I made her as beautiful and well coifed as any of my aunts, and just as fearsome as the stories — or again, any of the aunties.
Mama D’Leau always existed in my imagination. I worried when my father swam out so far that I couldn’t see him, and worried again that the creature would capsize the boat he was hanging on to before he could swim back. In the stories, Mama D’Leau never cared whom she killed. It was sport. Though, same as any fisherman, I suppose. I don’t remember when I figured out that this was only a story.
The story likely started during chattel slavery, when people were kidnapped from the west coast of Africa and brought to the Caribbean and the Americas. The mother of the sea came with them because she already existed in West Africa as Mami Wata, a deity who promised fertility and prosperity to her devotees. It was incredibly good luck to encounter her in person. In West Africa, the goddess was beautiful, sometimes appearing fully as a woman, sometimes as a woman with a fish tail, sometimes with two fish tails. Check your Starbucks cup to see how she’s been co-opted.
LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2019/07/16/the-black-mermaid-booklist/?fbclid=IwAR3JROEJ1O23zjASY0ynSrW0c5qlJ4r0SRgmYmLSVCuihVo7bwUCHja6WRw
MORE ARTICLES:
ourtimepress.com/discovering-the-myth-and-folklore-of-black-mermaids/
https://www.tor.com/2021/11/09/black-mermaids-the-waters-beyond-eurocentric-mythology/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/black-mermaids-ariel-history
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/09/30/black-mermaids-the-little-disney
https://manyheadedmonster.com/2022/11/28/black-mermaids-and-the-long-legacy-of-eighteenth-century-racism/
ourtimepress.com/discovering-the-myth-and-folklore-of-black-mermaids/
https://www.tor.com/2021/11/09/black-mermaids-the-waters-beyond-eurocentric-mythology/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/black-mermaids-ariel-history
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/09/30/black-mermaids-the-little-disney
https://manyheadedmonster.com/2022/11/28/black-mermaids-and-the-long-legacy-of-eighteenth-century-racism/
Merfolk are here, and many of us are Queer!
Here are some Queer friendly merfolk tales, and resources:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/queer-merfolk
https://abitlit.co/history/sacha-coward-on-queer-history-museums-and-mermaids/
https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/I/I-ve-Heard-the-Mermaids-Singing
https://pankmagazine.com/piece/mermaids/
http://queercomicsdatabase.com/series/thirsty-mermaids/
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/the-little-mermaid-lgbtq-fans-ursula_uk_5dce8608e4b0d2e79f8adb51
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/queer-merfolk
https://abitlit.co/history/sacha-coward-on-queer-history-museums-and-mermaids/
https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/I/I-ve-Heard-the-Mermaids-Singing
https://pankmagazine.com/piece/mermaids/
http://queercomicsdatabase.com/series/thirsty-mermaids/
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/the-little-mermaid-lgbtq-fans-ursula_uk_5dce8608e4b0d2e79f8adb51
Have a question? Please reach out!
