Conch Republic Days - Key West and the rest of the Florida Keys pulled out of the United States for a brief period of time beginning April 23rd, 1982. It's called Conch Republic Independence Celebration. It was over a closing of the "border" entrance to the Keys, near Homestead on US 1. The blockade was set up by US Customs & Border Control and effectively cut off Keys citizens from the US mainland. This was offensive and inconvenient so the Keys seceded from the US and declared itself the Conch Republic.
Every year in April, Key West as the capitol of the Conch Republic, holds commemorative events and a week-long celebration of it independence. There's Raising of the Flag, a kickoff party, a Drag Race down Duval Street followed by a Tea Dance, and more. There's a Conch Republic Royal Family Investiture Party at a local bar which mainly features dancing and drinking. These are ticket events which benefit various charities. Free event: Conch Cruiser Car Show. One favorite event is the The Reenactment of the Secession. The original participants gather at noon at Mallory Square and reenact the proclamation.
The grand event is the Naval Parade and Great Battle for the Conch Republic. Boats must register to take part in the reenactment, which includes throwing soft Cuban bread at other boats. If you don't have a boat or you don't want to get it all bready, there are viewing parties on shore. It's followed by, of course, a victory party at favorite local bar. Next day is the final event of Conch Republic Days: a craft show. |
