Fantasy Fest 2004
Halloween week in Key West
While many of us are
constrained to wear socially acceptable costumes and identities in our everyday
lives, there are still a few socially sanctioned opportunities to throw off our
day-to-day persona and explore alternate identities. Halloween and the masking
at Mardi Gras and Carnival come to mind. So does the behavior of many on
holiday far from family, friends, and neighbors.
Combine the mask traditions
of Halloween with the free-booting history and warm climate of Key West and you
get Fantasy Fest®, over a week of parties, parades, outrageous fun and friendly
competition leading up to October 31st. Since its inception in 1979,
Fantasy Fest® has dazzled many with themes derived from Hollywood, Broadway and
TV and moving back and forth through time.
Fantasy is given full play with both beauties and beasts on full display
along with a healthy dose of piratical zeal thrown in for good measure as
befits the Conch Republic. I’ve been photographing Halloween activities for a
number of years and decided to experience Key West’s version and make my first
visit to the southernmost point of the US (and yes, I did observe the
obligatory Key West sunset).
The 2004 theme “Delirious
Dreams and Hilarious Screams™” which was certainly accurate given the activity
on Duval Street. The festivities started
with the Goombay Celebration on October 22nd and ended with “It
ain’t over till the Fat Lady Sings Tea by the Sea” on the 31st with
various events, parties, and parades all week long. Check out the official website at www.fantasyfest.net/ for more information
and further links.
One of the daytime events
is the annual Pet Masquerade and Parade with
separate categories for kids and adults.
The week leads up to the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade on Saturday
night, comprising over sixty floats/groups and running close to two hours.
The scene on Duval Street
(both day and night) was quite exhibitionistic.
Consequently, before visiting the galleries visitors must read the caveats and affirmations.
The dates for 2005
event are October 21st to the 30th.
Your
browser should support frames to view these galleries. Page last updated
11/15/2004.
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by Ed Barnas. All rights reserved.