Fantasy Fest...... A twist on Carnival

A compeditor in one of the
many costume contests.

The Fantasy Begins

When most people think of Halloween images of ghosts and goblins and candy and gore spring to mind. But in the southern most part of the United States lies a different kind of event, Fantasy Fest. Here in the 'Conch Republic' Oct. 31 is not a child's holiday of trick or treating, it is an explosion of culture of an distinctly adult nature.

A collection ov video showing the multi cultural and enthusiastic participants of Fantasy Fest

Carnival has its roots in the blending of cultures in colonial areas of the Caribbean. The commoners were allowed to express their pent up emotional side in an event of pure joy and excitement. Places like Rio and Trinidad in the Caribbean are a melting pot of genealogical cultures, from African saves to indigenous tribes to European settlers of many nations and traditions. Mardi Gras, a close cousin, is probably the most known U.S. carnival, But Fantasy Fest I believe is the most unique.

Sandy tropical beach of Key West

Although Fantasy Fest was not born of the exact same beginnings, there is very much a culture melting pot that forms at the core of the Festival. Key West Fl., the scene of this fantastic event, has a long and rich cultural depth. Originally the tiny islands of the Keys where inhabited by Indigenous tribe like the Tequestas, Calusas, and later the Creek, which we know better as Seminoles. Spanish conquistadors brought the first of many European influences, and the British soon followed. Pirates of unknown number cultural background made these islands their tropical hideaway. Traders of all colonial nations brought Caribbean and African culture to this pit stop on their long voyage home. As we skip forward to the 20th century, this tropical independent feel remained. A place where cultures intertwined into a harmonic balance of peaceful serenity, this getaway became popular with those seeking solitude and a laid back stress free world. Noted author Ernest Hemingway spent many years relaxing, drinking, laughing, and writing in this paradise of tropical harmony. Other well known short time inhabitants include President Truman, Tennessee Williams and John James Audubon.Feeling that they were not truly connected to the worries and problems of the rest of the nation, the citizens of the Keys actually seceded from the Union for a brief time as 'The Conch Republic,' but were soon re assimilated to the States. Yet the feeling of Independence and freedom still remain, as the culture of this place is unique and can be experienced in the most vibrant way during Fantasy Fest.



The joyous crowd experience as many
come together  for the nightly event.



Fantasy Fest found its beginning in 1978 when Frank Romano, a board member of the Tourist Development Association of Monroe County, Inc. (TDA), and Joe Liszka, President of the TDA, pondered why despite the absolutely beautiful tropical weather the fall months were a bleak period of business and lack of tourism. Their solution, a fantastic carnival centered around the idea of an adult playground filled with parties, parades, costumes, and cash for the economy. The relaxed setting and cultural blending creates an ideal backdrop for this festival of adult emotional release. Fantasy Fest has now become the busiest time of year for the sleepy little community, bringing in some 50,000 visitors for the parades, contests, and costumes.

Fantasy Fest consists of a multi cultural celebration of Halloween in a most uniquely adult manor. People from all walks of life come to participate in the celebration; people of different colors, races, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs all come together to relax and partake in a festival of adult fantasy. Every year there is a major theme, such as this years of Aquatic Afrolic. There are parades down Duval St., costume contests, latex body painting, and all manor of alcoholic consumption and celebration. At the end of the festival they crown a King and Queen of the fest. The streets are and explosion of color and participants express their individuality and creativeness with their often extravagant dress, though it is not uncommon to find many parading around in nothing but small bits of latex painted on their bodies.

Parade Participants on Duval St/

The nights are the highlight of the event but the days are equally enjoyable. The crystal clear waters provide a haven for even the most ocean shy people. The fishing and seafood is second to none anywhere in the U.S. There are many museums and historical sites to visit as well describing the long and full culture of the area. All of this daytime fun is part of the relaxed charm of the Keys. And as soon as night falls, the party begins again.

Though not quite from the same beginning's as most Carnivals, Fantasy Fest shares many similarities; An outlet for social emotion, blending of cultures, and an explosion of color and sound that comes together to make an adventure into paradise something completely unique.



Reff.

Mira Felner and Claudia Orenstein. "The World of Theater. "Carnival Traditions. Boston: Pearson, 2006.

Official Fantasy Fest Website. Key West Tourist Development Association, Inc. 27 Feb 2011 http://www.fantasyfest.net/

Fantasy-Fest.com. 27 Feb 2011 http://www.fantasy-fest.com/fantasyfest-key-west.html

"Arts and Culture in Key West Florida." Best on Key West. 27 Feb 2011 http://www.bestonkeywest.com/arts-and-culture-in-key-west.html

"Key West History and Culture." Key West and the Florida Keys. 2011. Tripsmarter.com. 27 Feb 2011 http://www.tripsmarter.com/keywest/history/

digitalisland. 2010 Fantasy Fest Parade in Key West Florida. 1 Nov 2010. 27 Feb 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVXyeTczYUQ