Fantasy Fest is one of the best things about Key West. The coral reef is the best thing, hands down, but
Fantasy Fest comes in at a strong second. No other place in the country do you get a week long festival that
inspires so much adult creativity, so much baudy good fun and such energized street life. The atmosphere is
contagious because everyone is in such a good mood so you just can't help getting into the spirit of things.
The energy is positive and fun, and even those not used to even wearing a bathing suit in public will feel less
inhibitions at Fantasy Fest. I'd say a third to half the people in the streets are either scantily clad or
topless altogether. It's like going to a topless beach. If everyone is doing it, it's no big deal and you can
just be one of the crowd. Unlike Mardis Gras, nobody will grab you. Almost all of the women going topless are
also body painted, so it's an art form for people to admire. And they do admire. Strangers approach topless
strangers and complement them. Sometimes they ask if they can take a picture. It't nothing invasive or rude,
and everyone that wears a costume or body paint is fine with having their picture taken. If you aren't cool
about photos, then you really shouldn't dress up and go to Fantasy Fest. Of course exhibitionists love
it! A lot of the pictures end up on the internet. Just do a search for Fantasy Fest photos.
