In what may be the worldâs only coast-to-coast conga line, revelers in Cuban attire congaed from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico to celebrate Key Westâs colorful Cuban heritage.
Led by the Comparsa Key West dance troupe, the conga line proceeded down the mile-long Duval Street from the ocean to the gulf Friday evening.
Located just 90 miles from Cuba, Key West welcomed thousands of Cuban immigrants in the 1800s and was the site of a flourishing cigar industry. At the industryâs peak, the island boasted nearly 150 cigar factories whose workers produced 100 million hand-rolled cigars annually. The conga line and other weekend events recognize the vibrant culture and customs those immigrants brought with them.
Other Key West Cuban American Heritage Festival events include a Saturday night cigar dinner recognizing Key Westâs cigar-making legacy.