Czech This Out: Mermaids meet Cosplay close to Prague!

If you think landlocked countries can’t host world-class mermaid festivals, think again. Because just outside of Prague, a magical wave is building — and it’s about to crest at the first-ever MerWeekend, a dazzling new event blending the mermaid world with fantasy, cosplay, and pure aquatic joy. 🧜‍♀️✨

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Draconia, she and her partner Traci are the brilliant minds and fins behind this enchanting new festival. What started as small gatherings of mer-curious friends has blossomed into something bigger than anyone imagined. And if you’re anywhere near Central Europe this August — trust me, this is the tide you want to ride.

🎭 What Makes MerWeekend Magical?

Let’s start with the location: a natural swimming pool in Úvaly, just outside of Prague. Surrounded by the charm of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, this spot is perfectly positioned for travelers coming from Germany, Austria, Slovakia, or Poland.

Now picture this: a sunny poolside scene filled with colorful tails, shimmering costumes, laughter, and legendary vibes. Workshops, lectures, cosplay contests, mermaid swimming races, and even a “Miss Mermaid” contest — inside a real-life aquarium. Yes, you read that right.

“We wanted to create a place where mermaids and cosplay lovers could learn from each other,” Draconia explained. “These two worlds have so much in common — from performance and creativity to costume design and storytelling.”

Honestly? It’s kind of genius.

🏆 From Miss Mermaid to Crazy Parades

If you're the competitive type (or just love to cheer on your fellow sea stars), MerWeekend has plenty of playful contests to dive into:

• Cosplay Contest – Come dressed to impress in your most fantastical gear

• Crazy Parade – Let your creativity run wild

• Miss Mermaid Czechia – Swim your way to the crown (and yes, in a mermaid-sized aquarium)

• Mermaid Races & Toy Diving – Fins, fun, and fast swims!

And don’t worry if you’re not an experienced swimmer or don’t have a tail yet — there are lectures, photo booths, vendors, and even intro talks from mermaids like Perla Mareena, who’ll be sharing her insights on how to begin your own mermaid journey.

💬 Why We Love This Vision at MerMapp

So what’s next for MerWeekend?

“We want it to become one of the key events for mermaid and cosplay communities in Central Europe,” Draconia tells me. “More international guests, more workshops, deeper collaborations… a real hub for sharing skills and making memories.”

And if the energy around this first event is any indication, they’re well on their way. Whether you’re from Prague or Portugal, the invitation is open.

🐬 Looking to the Future

“The idea for MerWeekend developed gradually,” Draconia told me. “Over time, we met more and more merfolk and realized that a vibrant community could exist here in the Czech Republic too.”

What began as casual MerMeets has grown into a full-blown aquatic dream. As attendance at those early meetups hit twenty and beyond, it became crystal clear: the community was ready for something bigger. And thus, MerWeekend was born.

But this isn’t just a meetup. It’s a celebration of sea-inspired creativity — combining the mermaid and cosplay communities in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and deeply fun.

“We’re building something that welcomes everyone,” Draconia says. “Whether you wear a tail or armor, whether you swim like a dolphin or just love fantasy — there’s a place for you here.”

🐚 From Small Splashes to Big Waves

At MerMapp, our mission is all about creating a global, connected mermaid community. So when Iweheard what Draconia and Traci were building — a truly inclusive event designed to bring cosplayers, merfolk, and fantasy lovers together in a spirit of fun, learning, and collaboration — we were all in, spreading the word and even sponsoring 3 year premium MerMapp memberships as prizes for their giveaway!

This is exactly the kind of event the mer-world needs more of: one that breaks down boundaries, encourages connection, and inspires creativity across different corners of the community.

And I’ll say it again for the folks in the back: this is the very first MerWeekend in the Czech Republic ever. That means if you go, you’re not just attending a festival — you’re writing mermaid history.

✨ Ready to Join?

Here’s what you’ll walk (or swim) away with after a weekend at MerWeekend:

• New mer-friends from across Europe

• Inspiration from costumes, stories, and shared passions

• Knowledge from pros in the scene

• A chance to test your skills or just soak up the vibes

• And unforgettable memories in a fantasy world brought to life

“Taking the plunge might just lead to one of the best weekends of your year,” Draconia says.

Honestly? I believe her.

So if your calendar’s still open, you’re up for a spontaneous trip to Prague and your heart is calling — head to www.merweekend.cz (yes, it’s also in English and German!) and book your ticket to what might just be the splashiest new event in the mer-world.

And when you go, don’t forget to tag us at @mermapp.official and @merweekend.cz — we want to see your fin-tastic adventures!

🌊💙

🧜‍♂️ No Tail? No Problem.

If you’re reading this thinking, “That sounds incredible, but I’m not a real mermaid yet,” don’t sweat it.

“You don’t need to be a mer-expert to come and enjoy MerWeekend,” Draconia says. “It’s for everyone — beginners, non-swimmers, fantasy fans, or those just looking for a unique experience.”

That inclusivity is at the heart of the festival’s mission: building a welcoming space where anyone can channel their inner sea creature — regardless of gender, size, age, experience, or background.