Fantasy Fest is a 10-day parade for grown-ups. Started in 1979 by a small group of Key West locals, the party was created to bring visitors to the island. Fantasy Fest has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since. Fun loving revelers from all over the world bring along their creativity and imaginations to the festival and descend upon Key West for 10 days complete with costuming, parades, libations and other excitement. This festival is quite popular. According to Key’s tourism officials, Fantasy Fest brings about $30 million in annual revenue to the island chain. This year its being held in October and the theme will be “In tune but off Key- Celebrating 40 years of Fantasy”. The 2019 Fantasy Fest Parade begins on Saturday, October 26th at 7 pm.
This Festival is as fun as it sounds. The first time one goes there it will be a
Rorschach test of sexuality: You see what you want to see. If you are more inclined towards naivety, you will only see happy people seeking freedom from clothing. And if more inclined towards the naughty, you will realize the
whips and
handcuffs are more than just props. Inhibition is literally masked. Fantasy festival is all about costumes and masks which gives people the opportunity to be someone else. Things tend to turn wild at the end of it all. It’s about being naughty on a lot of levels. As long as long you’re not being a nuisance to the public or on public property, be assured you will get away with a lot of things.
However, don’t confuse this freedom with rowdiness. There are strict rules that one has to adhere to in this festival. For instance, nudity is illegal; and is not allowed on public property or in public view at any time. Lewd acts will not be tolerated and are strictly illegal. Body painting is allowed but only in enclosed areas entirely out of public view. Please wear a cover up in case you plan to go with your body painted outside the ‘fantasy zone’. As for personal belongings, no backpacks, coolers, packages, water guns, weapons, or replica weapons will be allowed. Most importantly, one needs to be courteous and patient with each other, as well as, with law enforcement officers.
If you’re planning to go to Fantasy Fest you will need costumes. Look for costumes that are colorful, frilly, or choose a costume from your favorite movie or cartoon character. Body painting is quite big there, so make sure if you're a woman your private parts should be covered in paint. The theme this year being ‘40 years of Fantasy’, a commemoration of the previous styles worn by the participants will be the vogue. Don't be afraid to go retro or wear something that was a trend in the yester-years as no one will mind a replay this year. Dress freely as a samba dancer, Japanese school girl,
an Egyptian queen, sexy French maid,
pussycat dolls or even a lego character. If you don’t want to wear any costumes as such, you are most welcome to wear denim shorts and tanks or mini skirt with spaghetti strap top to the event. As it goes without saying, comfort is the sexiest look.
For some great costume options and accessories visit www.beverlyheels.com.
