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Overview
 Few
American cities celebrate the end of the day like Key West. While most of us
take such common occurrences for granted, this city makes it a point to gather
together and watch the daylight hours slowly turn into night, enjoying
everything that happens in between.
No
matter what the season, throngs of locals and tourists gather nightly on the
docks at Mallory Square to witness the sun dip behind the crystalline waters
of the Gulf of Mexico. A myriad of colors appear and transform overhead, only
to fade after gloaming. The hour displays a different firmament every time
around, but always it marks the same festive stages before the Keys are
cloaked by nightfall. What better could serve as a reason to bring out the
quirky and unusual citizens of Key West, evident in the numerous street
performers, artisans and vendors, who come out nightly to share their talents.
No doubt you will witness
throngs of tourists surrounding the individual performers as they solicit
crowds by attempting to out-perform each other. Of course, the tip jar is sure
to follow each demonstration. But it is a unique experience all the same.
Where else will you find the self-proclaimed “southernmost bagpipe player in
America” strolling along the water’s edge and sweetly putting his
melancholy instrument to use as he passes by a man lying on a bed of glass
with two women jumping up and down on his back? Only at Mallory Square.
Incidentally, the latter individual claims to hold the Guinness world record
for bearing the most weight while lying on a bed of glass—or something of
the sort.
In
addition to the many performers, there are food and drink vendors (including
cocktails) as well as folks selling arts and crafts. Certainly you will find
some fire breathers and magicians as well. In addition, the Hilton Hotel,
located adjacent to Mallory square, throws its own sunset party, complete with
chairs and lit torches. This party, too, is open to the public.
Be
sure to arrive at Mallory Square, located at the northwest end of town, at
least 30 minutes prior to sunset. Most locals will know what time sunset
occurs, if not, below we’ve provided a little estimated chart.
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January
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5:45
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July
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8:15
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February
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6:15
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August
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8:10
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March
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6:30
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September
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7:45
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April
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7:45
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October
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7:15
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May
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8:00
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November
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5:50
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June
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8:15
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December
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5:40
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