The streets of Key West will be filled with every sort of sea monster, flashy fishes, spirits from Atlantis, and sinister seafarers from October 21-30. The annual Fantasy Fest's 2011 theme of "Aquatic Afrolic" is sure to inspire some highly creative costumes and parties!
Fantasy Fest has been part of Key West's traditions for over 30 years and has become known world-wide for its uninhibited and lighthearted spirit. Originally the festival was created to attract visitors to Key West during the slowest month of the tourism season. Now Halloween is the busiest day of the year, and Fantasy Fest brings in the most revenue of any week in the year.
The Aquatic Afrolic action will start with a Coronation Ball on Friday, October 21. The 2011 king and queen will be crowned at the "Lost City of Atlantis" in the Southernmost Cafe'. Duval Street becomes the stage for vendors selling arts, crafts, food, drinks, and costumes. The Masquerade March down Duval will be a "sea" of exuberant aquatic parade participants.
Another lively event, the Goombay Street Party, celebrates Key West's Caribbean roots and is held in the historic Bahama Village. The word "goomby" refers to the beating of drums and the dance that is performed. The goombay drum is a goatskin drum held between the legs when played. The music is similar to the calypso, and the lyricists tell stories of the local community. In the Bahamas junkanoo music is associated with the goombay and several entertainers from the Bahamas will come to Key West to perform along with local groups during the Goombay Street Party.
The fun continues with events such as the Friends of Fort Taylor's Vampire Ball, The Twirling Buoy Salacious Sideshow at the Waterfront Playhouse, The Wet and Wild Blue Party, the Underseas Odyssey Headdress Ball, and the Southernmost Sirens, Sea Nymphs, and Sailors Costume Contest. This is just a small sample; there is non-stop fun for 10 days! Check out the full schedule on FantasyFest.net. A picture is worth a thousand words - enjoy three minutes of one of last year's parades.
Whether it's Fantasy Fest or your fantasy to live in this Key West paradise, I have some great real estate options for you! Give me a call today. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.
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photo courtesy wikimedia
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