Fantasy Fest Parade: “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters”

Fantasy Fest originated in 1979 as an ambitious initiative to boost Key West's slow fall tourism season. Started by local entrepreneurs, the festival swiftly transformed from a simple costume gathering into a nationally acclaimed celebration of creativity and eccentricity.

Over the years, it has shifted from being a family-friendly event to one primarily for adults. The Key West City Commission has struggled to regulate body painting and nudity during the festival. Numerous city ordinances have been enacted to manage the enthusiasm, requiring body painting to be done out of public view. Additionally, parade zones have been established where backpacks are discouraged and may be searched by police officers. Despite protests from local families against the excessive nudity, tourists flock to the event for its unique eccentricity.

Picture by: Fantasy Fest Website

Tens of thousands of revelers filled Duval Street for the Fantasy Fest Parade. Highlights included oceanic costumes, Caribbean Junkanoo dancers, and whimsical floats like “Seuss on the Loose.” The parade theme, “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” turned Duval Street into a surreal storybook come to life. The 10-day festival concluded with a Saturday night parade featuring floats, costumed dancers, and Caribbean Junkanoo performers.

Signature events such as the Masquerade March and the Headdress Ball attracted large crowds, while body painting and themed parties infused the island with color and music. With an estimated 70,000 attendees, this year’s celebration reaffirmed Fantasy Fest’s status as one of the most locally debated and unapologetically expressive festivals in the country.

For more information, go to the Fantasy Fest Website.