Aqua Natura Benidorm to welcome the VI International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, one of Europe’s leading mermaiding events

From 8 to 12 July, Aqua Natura Benidorm will host the 6th International Mermaids & Mermen Convention (IMMC), one of Europe’s premier mermaiding events and the largest of its kind held in Spain. Organised by Sirenas Spain and Divertysub, the convention will transform Benidorm into the European capital of mermaiding for five days, bringing together professional performers, instructors, artists and enthusiasts from around the world for a programme combining live performances, training, experiential tourism and marine conservation initiatives.

Originally launched in 2020 as a national gathering, the International Mermaids & Mermen Convention has grown rapidly into one of the world’s leading events dedicated to the art of mermaiding, attracting more than 2,000 participants in recent editions. This year’s convention will welcome internationally renowned performers and instructors from France, Germany, Switzerland, China, the United States, Colombia and Spain, among other countries.

The official launch of the sixth edition took place today at Aqua Natura Benidorm, bringing together many of the international guests who will headline the convention over the coming days. Their presence reinforces Benidorm’s position as one of Europe’s most important meeting points for the global mermaiding community.

Among this year’s special guests are Claire La Sirène, France’s first professional mermaid and Director of the Mermaid Team at the Paris Aquarium; Ingrid Miss Mermaid, Miss Mermaid France & International 2016 and PADI instructor; Capitol Merman, veterinarian, professional merman, Netflix collaborator and co-founder of the Syren Symposium; Mermaid Germany, founder of the Merlympics and one of Europe’s leading figures in mermaiding; Mermaid Tanidia, founder of Geneva Mermaids; Mermaid Zheng, CEO of Braveeer Tails; Thessa Mermaid, voice actress and founder of the Thessa Mermaid Academy; together with Merman Damon, Merman Gabriel and Merman Luis Amor. Throughout the convention, they will take part in spectacular performances, workshops, public meet-and-greets and a wide range of interactive activities.

The programme will feature the Posidonia 2026 Competition, live performances by international artists, educational workshops, family activities, talks, sea excursions and themed evening events. The convention will also include a number of environmental awareness initiatives, including a special activity on 9 July at Mal Pas Beach in Benidorm, organised in collaboration with Benidorm Town Council’s Department of Environment and Beaches.

This environmental event will highlight the importance of Posidonia oceanica, the Mediterranean seagrass that plays a vital role in preserving marine biodiversity, maintaining water quality and protecting coastlines from erosion. Through educational activities and public participation, the initiative aims to encourage both residents and visitors to appreciate the ecological value of this unique habitat and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

Beyond its artistic and sporting appeal, the International Mermaids & Mermen Convention has established itself as an important international networking platform, bringing together specialised schools, leading brands, performers and ambassadors of mermaiding from across the globe. The event encourages the exchange of knowledge, professional collaboration and the continued growth of this unique discipline.

About mermaiding

Mermaiding is a discipline that combines swimming, freediving, artistic performance and environmental education, inspired by the mythical world of mermaids. Emerging in the late twentieth century and becoming particularly popular in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and the Philippines, mermaiding has experienced remarkable international growth over the past decade.

Today, the discipline includes recognised certification programmes, international competitions, specialised training schools and professional performers working in aquariums, theme parks and film and television productions worldwide. Beyond its recreational and artistic appeal, mermaiding has become a powerful platform for environmental education, inspiring greater respect for the oceans and raising awareness of the need to protect marine ecosystems. In this way, mermaids have become true ambassadors for marine conservation.

By hosting the sixth edition of the International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, Sirenas Spain, Divertysub and Aqua Natura Benidorm continue to strengthen Benidorm’s reputation as a destination capable of welcoming major international events focused on experimential tourism, sport, education and marine conservation.