In the beginning of July, my boyfriend and I attended a mermaid event in Spain. The official title was “Encuentro Nacional Sirenas y Tritones de España 2025”. It was organized by Viky from Sirenas Spain and our friend and fellow merman, Luis David. It was the first mermaid event we had ever visited.
Most of the participants were also contestants in the Mermaid Competition or otherwise involved in the organization of the event, for example as judges or workshop hosts. Once we were there, it slowly became clear how the event was structured. The Mermaid Competition turned out to be a major part of the program. Most communication about what would happen each day seemed to be aimed at the contestants. As participants who were not competing, my boyfriend and I needed some time to find our place within the event.
When we mentioned this to Luis, we received more guidance. Things became easier and more fun once we started getting to know people. I was glad I had brought my boyfriend with me. He finds it easier to make contact with new people, and through him we met many kind, open, and interesting merpeople.
Because I’m slightly autistic, new and unfamiliar situations can be mentally demanding for me. Much of my attention goes into understanding what is happening and what is expected, which leaves less space for social interaction. When I organize something myself and know the program well, this works very differently. In those situations, socializing comes more naturally to me, and I can even adapt when plans change.
We felt that the mermaid community was more accepting, open, and diverse than the gay community in Amsterdam. It was also interesting to learn that most mermen at the event were not gay. They were very comfortable with themselves and their sexuality, and gay jokes were taken lightly. That ease made interactions feel natural and uncomplicated.
Watching the contestants and performers taught me a lot. Seeing how much work goes into a good performance really hit home. Luis had told me this many times before, but seeing it in practice was something else entirely. From the outside, mermaiding can look effortless. But I could see the long breath holds, the physical strength needed for underwater movement, and the attention required to combine technique, expression, and interaction with the audience.
I think that if I were more extroverted, the beginning might have been easier and more fun, and I probably would have engaged more in certain activities. One of the judges, a well-known mermaid from China, told me that I might actually fit well within the Chinese mermaid scene, where performance styles often suit more introverted personalities. She even invited me to come to China one day and offered to train me personally.
The Mermaid Convention was a worthwhile experience and a great opportunity to meet highly skilled merpeople and make new connections. If possible, I would like to attend again — preferably as one of the performers.