Fantasy Fest in West Key, Florida

Fantasy Fest in West Key, Florida
Reviewed by Teresita Blanco
Date: Oct 23 to Nov 1, 2015

This Festival was started by two businessmen who wanted a festival to compete with Mardi Gras. The Fest featured balls, costume competitions and body paint. The party starts in Bahama village. During the Goomsbay Street Party, the people there start picking the King and Queen of the Fantasy Fest. The Final Parade starts in Saturday night. The party continues till Sunday.

 It’s a mixture of a fantasy combined with a gay pride parade. The older Drag Queens who live in retirement also participate in the parade. Part of the money collected during the parade is usually given to help people suffering from AIDS. The parade also resembles Carnival. Most of the music played there has a Caribbean flavor, with the drums and the feathers of the performers.



These people also throw bead necklace at the people watching the parade. They also throw plenty of booze at the participants at the end of the parade. Aside from the parade, visitors can go to random street parties. There is also snorkeling and diving activities.  Visitors can also go to the Hemmingway’s Home and Museum.