Brooklyn is New York City's most populous borough and the second-largest in area. The borough features dozens of neighborhoods, each with a distinct character, history and set of traditions. Many of Brooklyn's most iconic events were born out of these neighborhoods to celebrate the culture of a particular group of people. While visitors can find entertainment throughout the borough on any given day, some of Brooklyn's finest events are held annually and should not be missed.
Founded in 1983, the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade is the biggest art parade in the United States and has become one of New York City's iconic summer events. The parade marks the beginning of summer and celebrates the sun and the sea, as parade participants march through the streets dressed as mermaids, Neptunes and various sea animals. The parade also features classic cars, marching bands and floats. The parade concludes with the Mermaid Parade Ball, where participants and spectators gather together to listen to music, watch burlesque shows and celebrate the beginning of the summer.
Held in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood, the Labor Day Parade is one of New York City's biggest cultural celebrations and typically attracts between one and three million people. While the colorful West Indian-American Parade is the celebration's biggest event, the festivities last an entire weekend and include a kiddie carnival, musical performances and a variety of native foods to sample.
The Atlantic Antic is an annual street fair held along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. The 1.5-mile route features hundreds of food stands, art and shopping vendors and more than a dozen performance stages. The Atlantic Antic also offers activities for kids, including face painting, magician shows and pony rides.
This event sponsored by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the culmination of Hanami -- a month-long celebration of the Japanese culture and cherry blossom season. The two-day Sakura Matsuri festival is the country's largest event held in a public garden and features activities suitable for all ages. There are more than 60 performances throughout the festival, including both traditional and modern Japanese music and dance, as well as a wide variety of crafts and workshops.
