Ernest Hemingway, a renowned author, spent the 1930s in Key West, Florida, where he wrote many famous novels. Every year since 1981, fans, scholars, and relatives gather in Key West to celebrate Hemingway’s life and work during Hemingway Days. This year’s event ended on July 21, 2024, which was the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s birth on July 21, 1899. Hemingway’s influence on American literature is significant, and his connection to Key West remains strong. His great-grandson, Stephen Hemingway Adams, shared that working with his grandfather, Patrick Hemingway, deepened his understanding of Ernest Hemingway’s legacy. Adams explained that they worked together on a book called “Dear Papa,” which compiled letters between Ernest Hemingway and his grandfather, providing unique insights into the author’s life.

Hemingway’s life was full of adventures like big-game fishing, hunting, and socializing, which influenced his writing. Key West, a small fishing village, became his home when his wife’s uncle bought them a house there. He enjoyed the island lifestyle, engaging in local activities and writing “A Farewell to Arms.” Hemingway’s passion for fishing led to innovations in the sport after acquiring his boat, the Pilar. His time in Key West included significant contributions to the community, especially during the Great Depression. The Hemingway Home & Museum, a historic landmark, preserves his legacy and houses about 60 polydactyl cats, descendants of Hemingway’s pets. The Hemingway Days festival, which began as a promotional event for Sloppy Joe’s Bar, has become a major celebration, featuring a look-alike contest and supporting scholarships for Florida Keys students. David Douglas, president of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society, highlighted the camaraderie among contestants and the festival’s role in preserving Hemingway’s legacy.