The Conch Republic Celebrates Its 43rd Year of Glorious Absurdity
The Conch Republic Celebrates Its 43rd Year of Glorious Absurdity
Forty-three years ago this month, Key West declared independence from the United States for approximately one minute, lost a civil war to itself, surrendered, and then applied for foreign aid. The Conch Republic Independence Celebration is the ten-day commemoration of that original act of cheerful rebellion, and it returns April 17 through 26 with the usual mix of parades, bed races, a staged sea battle, and the kind of self-aware silliness only Key West can sustain for nearly half a century.
The centerpiece is the World's Longest Parade, a rolling procession that stretches the full length of Duval Street from the Atlantic to the Gulf — locals and visitors and a few very confused first-time cruise passengers all pushed along by a marching band that has never played a note in tune. The Julie Hansen Memorial Bed Races between Olivia and Southard are billed, accurately, as the most fun you can have with your clothes on. The sea battle is surprisingly well-rehearsed, and the cannon fire is real.
If you're going: book lodging now — the celebration pulls the biggest crowds of the Key West spring calendar. Walk everywhere during the parade; every attempt to drive ends badly.
