Photos from Tiki Fest

[Darren Bradley]

You Brits will probably have no idea what I'm talking about, but every summer in San Diego, we have a convention of sorts, where people interested in "Tiki" culture come to town from all over the world for a week of folly. Tiki culture refers to a period in the between the 1930s and 1970s (but mostly the 1950s and early 60s), when America was fascinated with the South Pacific and every small town had a tiki bar and/or restaurant, complete with tropical decor, carved wooden statues, and flaming cocktails. Tiki fest is a time for everyone to revel in kitsch and dress in clothes from the era. There are concerts of lounge music and congo drums, and every gets completely sauced on rum drinks while lounging poolside. Lots of fun. We go every year and have for ages. Here are a few shots from this summer's event, which had a sub-theme of "South of the Border":

This girl just jumped in the bassin in front of the hotel without warning so I grabbed a quick shot:


















More on my flickr if you click on any of the photos.

 

[Dan Cattermole]

I want to be at the next one!!!! Looks brilliant! Great capture braddaz.. Tiki tiki ! Lol

 

[Davie Hudson]

I guess it's obvious but I LOVE tiki, it's the 50's thing and my wardrobe is full of the shirts .... Great pictures

 

[Hamish Gill]

Ha, looks loads of fun!

There are concerts of lounge music and congo drums, and every gets completely sauced on rum drinks while lounging poolside.

Always a good thing!

Went on holiday to the Dominican republic a few years ago, we went all inclusive... It basically cost me about the amount of rum I drank!
Best thing is, the "Brugal" rum that we had a lot of over there that was at the time scarce in the uk at best is now sold in my local pub! I get a little taste of holiday when ever i drink it... although the measures are a bit **** here by comparison!

 

[Hamish Gill]

... also available in my local ...

 

[Darren Bradley]

Nice to know there are other Tiki fans out there! And Duff fans!

 

[Pete Askew]

Excellent series there Darren and some nice ones on Flickr too (I'm sure that's the Dude in there). Some great facial hair going on there!!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Is that Kathy Griffin's twin sister sitting poolside?

The dude with the shades and the mustache is a classic!