People of all ages are expected to “blow their own horns” in Key West Saturday, March 8, attempting a unique form of musical expression during the 62nd annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
Blowing into the fluted, pink-lined shell of the hardy sea mollusk called conch (pronounced “konk”) is a centuries-old Florida Keys tradition. Conch horns were employed as signaling devices by early Native Americans, shipwreck salvagers and 19th-century seafarers.
Today the conch shell remains an enduring symbol of the Keys. Native residents proudly call themselves “Conchs,” and the mollusk’s meat is the key ingredient in conch chowder and fritters — both favorite local dishes. In 1982, the Keys island chain staged a symbolic secession from the U.S. and proclaimed itself the independent Conch Republic.
Celebrating Key West’s conch connection and seafaring heritage, the 2025 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is scheduled for noon in the gardens of the Oldest House Museum, 322 Duval St.
Contestants take turns puckering up and raising a shell to their lips, endeavoring to make music (or at least respectable sounds) to impress the judging panel and a typically standing-room-only audience.
Nicknamed the “Conch Honk,” the challenge is presented each spring by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Key West.
While many entrants only produce discordant bleats or feeble sputters, a few impress spectators by blowing lengthy blasts or even parts of melodies. Past winners have trumpeted recognizable snippets of classic rock numbers, show tunes and composer Aram Khachaturian’s intricate “Sabre Dance.”
Entrants typically include men, women, young children and groups. All are judged on the quality, duration, 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 lessons, a conch horn-cutting demonstration, other local crafts and food.
Contestants can sign up online at oirf.org, or in person at the Oldest House Museum until 11:45 a.m. before the contest. More information is at oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.
