Goombay 2019

Goombay 2019

 

 

This year marks the 30^th Goombay Festival that I have attended, and it still remains one of my favorite weekends of the entire year as each year though the festival remains largely the same, I still get a warm feeling about the community of Key West, which once again turned out in force. Goombay celebrates the Caribbean heritage of the Bahama Village neighborhood and is really a number of small festivals gathered into one large event that seems to have something that appeals to everyone.

 

 As always the festival takes over the Bahama Village neighborhood for two days and nights the weekend before Fantasy Fest gets into full swing. I try to spend as much time there as possible, making sure to visit both during the daylight hours and at night as well as the feel is completely different. This year I started off on Friday evening, walking over directly from the coronation ball at the nearby Key West Amphitheater to join the festivities which had been going strong all day. 

 

The main reason that I love Goombay so much is probably because it showcases the wonderful diversity of our community, everyone is welcome and people from all the various segments of our island community are on hand. The food is awesome, this year saw the introduction of a number of food trucks from Miami in addition to the standard Goombay fare as well as the various local restaurants, especially those that call Bahama Village home, making for a wonderful and eclectic variety of dining options.

 

Carla, Sharona and Zeph

Skank

I always get the delicious conch salad, though for some reason- my go to location, Johnson’s Grocery was closed for the first time ever, which was a bummer. Also missing was my friend Lou and his Falafel stand, which had been at every previous Goombay that I had attended, which was sad as well. There were still plenty of yummy options though and I made sure to get enough food and then some. 

Tara and Natalia

 

There is so much going on during Goombay, it is impossible to capture it all. Just the entertainment options are awesome. There is the main Goombay stage that hosts both local, regional and some acts from the Bahamas. The theme there is usually reggae, soca and Caribbean style music for the most part. But there are options for everyone as many of the restaurants, bars, side alleys and street host their own musical options and once again there is something for everyone.

Elle 

My friend Cayman’s band Skank was playing in the back area of Blue Heaven in what was a wonderful environment that was a throw-back to the laid back hippie vibe that was found throughout Key West when I first arrived. I saw many long-time Key Westers enjoying what is a fantastic space and some great music. The band has really improved and are now one of the finest Key West bands around. Having Miguel Perez sit in and jam only added to the quality. It was a fantastic set.

 

Landon

As awesome as the food and entertainment are, it is really the people that make the festival so amazing. I can’t tell you the countless Goombay hours that I have spent just hanging out in the intersection between Blue Heaven restaurant and Johnson’s grocery. So many old friends can be found there, especially during the Friday night Goombay section. Seeing people you haven’t seen for ages, crossing paths and catching up with old friends and making new ones is the true magic of this wonderful event. 

Tricia,Landon and Jevne

 

After thirty years, I still never tire of attending. I am so glad that as usual the weather cooperated and the festival came off without a hitch. It is comforting to know that next year, all things being equal I hope to be standing there again, seeing friends, many of whom have been attending and enjoying Goombay for as long as I have or longer. 

Bre and Dave