Key West's Fantasy Fest Masquerade March

 

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Revelers dressed as zombies, invading aliens and other madcap creatures are to parade through Key West’s historic Old Town Friday, Oct. 26, during a masquerade march for everyone who is ready to be rowdy.The march is a highlight of the annual Fantasy Fest celebration, a lavish pre-Halloween masking and costuming festival scheduled Oct. 19-28. Themed “A-Conch-Alypse” in an offbeat salute to an ancient apocalypse prophecy, Fantasy Fest features more than 40 exuberant events on the island whose natives are called “conchs.”

The masquerade march typically draws spirited bands and merrymakers wearing everything from feathered masks and dazzling costumes to finery inspired by the annual festival theme.

The 2012 promenade is to start at 5 p.m. at the Key West Cemetery’s Frances Street entrance. Participants are to proceed along two routes, stopping for libations at bed-and-breakfast inns along the way.

Spectators typically line the streets of Key West’s historic district, applauding and sometimes joining in, before the march reaches its end at the Fantasy Fest Street Fair on mile-long Duval Street.

Past years’ participants have included a scaly 40-foot “sea serpent,” King Neptune and his queen, a male quartet in matching Wonder Woman costumes, two polka-dotted walking octopuses and a flock of “chickens of the sea” in tutus.

The march is a prelude to the annual festival highlight, Saturday night’s Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade through Key West’s downtown district. Each year the glittering procession includes dozens of elaborately decorated floats, costumed marching groups and high-energy island-style bands.

The Friday-night masquerade march is free to enter and watch.

Event information: www.fantasyfest.com, facebook.com/FantasyFest or 305-296-1817
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest · twitter.com/thefloridakeys · youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY:
Contact: Andy Newman/Carol Shaughnessy
1-800-ASK-KEYS 800-275-5397 or 305-461-3300
www.fla-keys.com/media

 

 

Maralyn D. Hill

 

 

 

Maralyn D. Hill, The Epicurean Explorer

 

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