CONGA LINE TO CELEBRATE CUBAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL CONNECTION

KEY WEST, Florida Keys - The vibrant cultural connection between Key West and Cuba, which dates back more than 150 years, is to be celebrated Friday, June 16, with a coast-to-coast conga line in the Cuban tradition.

Participating revelers, many garbed in Cuban dress, are to conga the length of Key West's Duval Street from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. The lively procession is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the historic Southernmost House, 1400 Duval St. overlooking the Atlantic.

The Key West Comparsa Dancers, directed by Juana Maria Gregory, are to lead the procession of floats, dancers and celebrants down mile-long Duval to El Meson de Pepe, a popular Cuban restaurant adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico at Mallory Square. The revelry is to continue at El Meson until the roosters crow.

Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West was the site of nearly 150 cigar factories in the mid to late 1800s, when the island city welcomed thousands of Cuban immigrants seeking greater personal and political freedom. These individuals brought their skills, cuisine and culture with them.

Children, grandparents and everyone in between are invited to join the conga line in celebration of Key West's colorful heritage.

For more information, call (305) 295-9665.

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or explore this Web site.