Fantasy Island
The ending of October brings about the close of hurricane season, and in the minds of island dwellers this is a prime excuse for a party, -- a quality that Key West excels in. This is probably the main reason (though no one is absolutely sure) why Halloween is celebrated here in a manner incomparable to anywhere else.Everyone is welcome to join in this tropical, sometimes non-stop, celebration. It is the time for all involved to have their fantasies come true. Adventurers, dreamers, smugglers, pirates, treasure seekers, lovers, and strangers, whether local inhabitants, travelers or tourists, all are invited to participate in this friendly fantasy of delights. Some say this island Fantasy Fest transcends the gala event of New Orleans' Mardi Gras.
Fantasy Fest is costume parties, contests, street carnivals, concerts, dancing, masked balls, dock-side festivals, and jovial dinner affairs featuring Bahamian and Caribbean foods, along with Cuban, Italian and local Conch dishes.
The high spirited fun and merriment continues day and night, encompassing the entire final week of this month. These memorable events cater to the pleasures of all, and are brought to a rejoicing climax on the final evening with a parade of fantasy floats. The music of bands playing throughout the streets fills the air, and the cheers of thousands accompany the fanfares they play. Nowhere on Earth is there quite a party as this.
