Goombay to Showcase Key West’s Bahamian Heritage and Festivities
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Revelers can experience sights, sounds and flavors recalling Key West’s Bahamian heritage at the family-friendly Goombay Festival scheduled Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18-19.
The exuberant street festival takes place in the island city’s Bahama Village neighborhood, settled in the early 1800s in part by Bahamians seeking a new island home.
The Goombay Festival marks the start of Key West’s Fantasy Fest, a 10-day costuming and masking celebration whose 2024 events continue through Sunday, Oct. 27.
Goombay’s high-energy action is centered on Petronia Street, just off Key West’s famed Duval Street in the heart of Bahama Village. Events are scheduled from noon to midnight both days.
Highlights are to include Friday night’s “Junkanoo Rush” and Saturday’s traditional Junkanoo parade of costumed marchers. Both are to feature the Bahamas’ renowned New Generation Cultural Group, with Saturday’s parade starting at 6 p.m. and following a route that includes portions of Duval and Petronia streets.
Each year Goombay attracts thousands of people ranging from national and international visitors to Florida Keys residents who have made attending the event a local tradition.
Attendees can savor the flavors of Caribbean and ethnic dishes offered by vendors, discover island-influenced arts and crafts, and dance in the streets to live music by popular Bahamian, Floridian and local musicians and bands.
The main entertainment stage is to be located at the corner of Emma and Olivia streets, with performers offering nonstop music in multiple genres. The entertainment lineup includes “soul man” Robert Albury, soca singer Hebrew Edwards and the Caribbean Explosion Band presenting reggae and soca rhythms.
Event information: facebook.com/keywestgoombay2018/ and fantasyfest.com
The Goombay Festival Oct. 18-19 marks the beginning of Fantasy Fest 2024, a 10-day costuming and masking celebration that last through Sunday, Oct. 27. Photos by Rob O'Neal
Costumed dancers strut down Petronia Street during the 223 Goombay Festival.
Goombay attendees can savor the flavors of the Caribbean while browsing island-influenced arts and crafts and enjoying Bahamian, Floridian and local musicians and bands.