MALLORY SQUARE and the SUNSET CELEBRATION
 

A Party Every Night... Just Because The Sun Goes Down

 

  Mallory Square is a large flat open concrete area near the end of Duval Street right on the water. It's an outstanding  place to view Key West's outstanding sunsets. Because of this, crowds gather there every clear evening (i.e. most of them) to watch the sun go down and watch the numerous talented street performers. You'll see Dominique, the Cat Man, whose ability to teach tricks to cats is noteworthy. Honestly though, the cat tricks are not nearly as entertaining as Dominique's enigmatic personality. The Great Rondini employs audience members to tie him up as tightly as possible in a strait jacket and two heavy chains. He has a somewhat menacing demeanor, but he impressively escapes from his bondage while hanging upside down. There are jugglers, musicians, fire twirlers, other animal acts and plenty of other talented acts. It's all free... but all of the performers will try to shame you into giving them a tip if you have no intention of doing so... so don't forget to bring ten or fifteen singles to Mallory Square. These folks put on a good show and are deserving of a buck or two.

The highlight of each evening is the sunset itself. It is tradition to cheer and applaud when the last sliver of sun descends below the aquatic horizon. A few performers continue their act after the sunset... most notable the fire twirlers, whose act is more dramatic after it begins to get dark. But mostly... the crowd disperses shortly after sunset... on their way to their hotel, dinner, or Duval Street and Sloppy Joe's for the nighttime revelry.

Most of the acts are entirely suitable for kids. They'll likely enjoy the carnival atmosphere. Watch out for Rondini though... he'll use some blue language and has an abrasive sense of humor. The daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square encapsulates the free, relaxed feel of Key West... and must be experienced at least once during your visit.

   
   

 

 

MALLORY SQUARE PHOTOS - CLICK ON THUMBNAILS FOR LARGER IMAGE
               
       
MALLORY SQUARE BRITISH JUGGLER DOG GUY FREE HUGS
               
       
  DOMINIQUE THE CAT GUY   DOMINIQUE   DOMINIQUE   DOMINIQUE
               
       
  RONDINI   RONDINI   DIDGERIDOO PLAYER   UNICYCLE
               
       
  FIRE TWIRLERS   THE SILVER STATUE   ANOTHER UNICYCLE GUY   MUSICIAN
               
           
  KEY WEST SUNSET   KEY WEST SUNSET