On the last Saturday of October, Key West becomes the haunting ground of goblins, ghouls and other creatures of every gender, sexuality, shape and size. There are events during the days leading up to the Saturday night festivities, but the climax of Fantasy Fest is the Saturday evening parade and the hours before and after the parade. Fantasy Fest is often described as the island version of Mardi Gras. At Fantasy Fest you will witness everything from an incredible Frankenstein costume to almost no costume at all (e.g. almost naked). Body painting (see pictures below) is another favorite form of costume.
Make no mistake about it; the Saturday Night festivities of Fantasy Fest are an adult event, and those easily offended by adult content or alternative lifestyles should steer clear of this gathering. Each year a theme is selected for Fantasy Fest. Notwithstanding, many attend the event without costume or in costume that is not related to the theme (the theme appears to be more for the parade floats than anything else). The 2002 Fantasy Fest is scheduled for Oct. 18th through the 27th in Key West. The theme is "Mystical Mornings, Monsterious Nights".
Please note, if you intend on staying in Key West during the weekend of Fantasy Fest or the days preceding the event, reservations should be made well in advance as accommodations fill up quickly. Below is a sampling of sites from prior Fantasy Fests.
RETURN TO BEST OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
Copyright © Just Tropical, Inc., All rights reserved.