One Key West street festival that is a favorite of us locals (and believe me, we have a LOT of festivals to choose from!) is the Goombay Festival.  Goombay is the music and dancing related to goombay drums – drums made of goatskin and held between the legs when played.  Steel drums, colorful costumes, masks, and headdresses are all an integral part of Goombay. This music was brought to Key West from the Bahamas, and Key West’s Bahama Village is populated still by many descendants of the original immigrants.

This is the 31st year of the Key West Goombay Festival and it remains a “family friendly” street festival that has grown to be an educational as well as cultural event.  Cultural exchanges between the Bahamas and Key West have grown because of the Goombay Fesitival.  A group of our local residents attends the annual Island Roots Festival on the island of Turtle Cay in the Bahamas each year.

Goombay Festival will officially begin October 20th at 6:00 p.m. on the main stage at the corner of Emma and Petronia Streets in Key West‘s Bahama Village.  Our local officials will be on hand along with gospel choirs and other local talent.  This stage will feature musical entertainment from Caribbean musicians throughout the festival. I guarantee that the music will have you smiling and swaying – you just can’t stand still while listening to the Caribbean sound!

Groups from the Bahamas such as the Baha Men and Gully Rooster, perform junkanoo music that is part of Goombay.  According to the Goombay Festival website, “This year we are planning to feature as many of the most popular entertainers from the Bahamas as the Bahamian government will allow to come to America. . .”  These entertainers will join our own Key West groups who perform Key West’s version of junkanoo music.  A clip from the past will “share the beat.”

The Street Fair will be open from noon-midnight on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22.  Vendors will be on hand from around the world displaying arts and crafts and food specialties. The fun doesn’t stop here as Goombay occurs during the world famous Key West Fantasy Fest – - – and that requires a blog of its own!

It does seem that our Key West is the land of festivals!  However, there is much tranquility and natural beauty also to enjoy. It’s the best of both worlds.  Whether you prefer parties or privacy, I have some perfect real estate options for you.  Give me a call today.  Margarita Villoch: 305-304-8505.

 Check out upcoming events in Key West on Island Living Key West and share with your friends!