[SinglePic not found]There are two Independence celebrations each year in Key West: the Fourth of July and Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Conch Republic Days occur every April and all of the Florida Keys commemorate the day they withdrew from the United States of America in 1982. It actually happened: the Keys residents were upset over a Border Patrol station set up at the entrance to the Florida Keys on US Highway One above Key Largo. Everyone passing through had to show identification, and Keys people naturally did not like this at all. They seceded and every year the day is remembered during the Conch Republic Independence Celebration.
The protest lasted less than one day, and it was half in jest, but the message was real. Border Patrol stations set up within state boundaries was an infringement and Conchs weren’t going to stand for it. The “Conch Republic” you’ve heard so much about was created out of this border controversy. They still issue passports and Conch Republic Independence Celebration hangs on as one of the favorite holiday weeks in Key West. There are annual events, and most of them take place in Key West, although it’s a celebration for all of the Keys.
Probably the most popular event of the entire Conch Republic Independence Celebration, at least for tourists that is, is the reenactment of the “Bloody Battle”. Anyone with a boat can join the battle, which takes place in Key West harbor. Boats cruise back and forth and whip rotten food at each other, simulating the Great Battle for Independence of 1982.
To enter, captains must attend a mandatory “Captains’ Meeting” the night before. Mainly, this is to make everyone aware of the rules of the battle. Throwing dangerous things at other boats will get you banned from the battle. Visitors can watch from shore, either at Mallory Square, or at special viewing parties hosted by the luxury waterfront Key West hotels like the Westin and Pier House.
