Florida Keys’ Conch Republic to Commemorate Historic ‘Secession’ 20-29 April

The Florida Keys may be best known for the spectacular Overseas Highway, azure waters and almost year-round sunshine, but the subtropical island chain is also popular amongst visitors for its entertaining and offbeat annual events.

April brings the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Running over 10 days from 20-29 April, the event commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States in the early 1980s.

The Conch Republic was born in 1982, following a U.S. Border Patrol blockade of the island chain. In protest, Keys citizens organised the secession, declaring war on the United States – surrendering just 60 seconds later – and demanding $1 billion in foreign aid. The anniversary of the secession is marked each year with a roster of eccentric events.

The 2018 schedule includes the Great Conch Republic Drag Race on Duval Street on Saturday, 21 April. This wacky challenge typically stars drag queens in racing attire and wigs, sprinting down the pavement in startlingly high heels.

On Monday, 23 April, the secession’s official anniversary will be marked by the world premiere of a documentary on the Conch Republic’s venerable First Sea Lord Admiral Finbar Gittelman, captain of the republic’s flagship Schooner Wolf. “The Old Man and the Sea: Return to Cuba” is to be screened at 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Key West Theater. Q&A sessions and receptions with filmmaker Matt Dean and the admiral follow the screenings. At sunset, the secession itself will be commemorated at the city’s waterfront Mallory Square with a ceremony featuring a 21-gun and 21-conch shell horn salute.

During the 10-day celebration, other events include the so-called World’s Longest Parade down famed Duval Street, the lighthearted Great Sea Battle for the Conch Republic in Key West Harbor, tall ship sailing adventures on the Schooner Wolf, a pirates’ ball and the election of the republic’s ‘royal family’.

For full details and event listings for the celebration, visit www.conchrepublicdayskeywest.com.

The Conch Republic Independence Celebration returns to Key West from 20-29 April. Credit Rob O'Neal

The Conch Republic Independence Celebration returns to Key West from 20-29 April. Credit Rob O'Neal

Great Conch Republic Drag Race on Duval Street. Credit Rob O'Neal

Great Conch Republic Drag Race on Duval Street. Credit Rob O'Neal

Local residents celebrate the Conch Republic. Credit Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau

Local residents celebrate the Conch Republic. Credit Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau

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