Folks of all ages are anticipated to “sing their own praises” in Key West Saturday, March 8, making an attempt a singular type of musical expression in the course of the 62nd annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Blowing into the fluted, pink-lined shell of the hardy sea mollusk known as conch (pronounced “konk”) is a centuries-old Florida Keys custom. Conch horns have been employed as signaling gadgets by early Native Individuals, shipwreck salvagers and Nineteenth-century seafarers.
In the present day the conch shell stays a permanent image of the Keys. Native residents proudly name themselves “Conchs,” and the mollusk’s meat is the important thing ingredient in conch chowder and fritters — each favourite native dishes. In 1982, the Keys island chain staged a symbolic secession from the U.S. and proclaimed itself the impartial Conch Republic.
Celebrating Key West’s conch connection and seafaring heritage, the 2025 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is scheduled for midday within the gardens of the Oldest Home Museum, 322 Duval St.
Contestants take turns puckering up and elevating a shell to their lips, endeavoring to make music (or a minimum of respectable sounds) to impress the judging panel and a usually standing-room-only viewers.
Nicknamed the “Conch Honk,” the problem is introduced every spring by the Outdated Island Restoration Basis, a nonprofit group devoted to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West.
Whereas many entrants solely produce discordant bleats or feeble sputters, a number of impress spectators by blowing prolonged blasts and even components of melodies. Previous winners have trumpeted recognizable snippets of basic rock numbers, present tunes and composer Aram Khachaturian’s intricate “Sabre Dance.”
Entrants usually embrace males, ladies, younger kids and teams. All are judged on the standard, length, loudness and novelty of the sounds they produce.
The 2025 contest is free to enter and watch, and gates open at 10:30 a.m. for conch shell-blowing classes, a conch horn-cutting demonstration, different native crafts and meals.
Contestants can join on-line at oirf.org, or in individual on the Oldest Home Museum till 11:45 a.m. earlier than the competition. Extra data is at oirf.org or name 305-294-9501.