Fri Jan 31 09:52:41 UTC 2025: **Visakhapatnam Hosts First-Ever Mermaid Exhibition**
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – January 31, 2025 – Visakhapatnam is making waves with its first-ever mermaid exhibition, showcasing the captivating art of mermaiding. Four professional mermaids from the Philippines and Spain are performing at the AU Exhibition Grounds, captivating audiences with their graceful underwater acrobatics. The performers, who can hold their breath for up to two and a half minutes, perform without oxygen masks.
The exhibition, which opened two weeks ago and is part of a larger amusement fair, has already proven a major draw. The ₹4.2 crore investment includes a specially maintained 32-degree Celsius water tank to ensure performer comfort. The mermaids dedicate two hours daily to rigorous training, including stretching and breathing exercises.
Beyond the spectacle, the exhibition promotes ocean conservation awareness. One mermaid, Kinah, a certified free diver from the Philippines with over five years of experience, emphasized the importance of connecting people with marine life to foster a greater understanding of ocean protection. Another performer, Ruth, highlighted the intense training involved in mermaiding, describing it as a full-body workout that requires breath control, flexibility, and endurance.
The exhibition also features a large-scale replica of Kashmir (18,000 square feet), and incorporates elements of Andhra Pradesh’s Butta Bommalu folk dance in its entrance design. Twenty-three amusement rides, some imported from Italy, are also part of the fair. Security is enhanced with 64 CCTV cameras. A similar exhibition is concurrently running in Vijayawada.
The Visakhapatnam exhibition is open from 4 pm to 10 pm daily, with an entry fee of ₹150.
First Piper 