Witches Walk and Dance Charms Gulfport

a woman with green skin holding a red apple while she wears all black. — Witches came together in Gulfport for the 8th annual Witches Walk and a dance.
*Photo by Amelie Brazelton*

Cackles and chants could be heard all over downtown Gulfport on Oct. 25, during the 8th annual Witches Walk.

After damages from hurricanes last year, the Witches Walk was put on hold. As it made its return, the event’s Facebook page touted more than 12 hours of Gulfport fun, shining a light on the small businesses that pitched in.

Gulfport businesses offered a variety of Halloween-themed treats and deals, such as Stella’s “Monster Mash Stack” and complimentary hot cider for those meandering through the Gulfport Beach Bazaar. The all-day affair culminated in the Witches Walk from the steps of Stella’s down to the Gulfport Casino, led by the Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band.

an aerial view of people dressed as witches in a street. — Crowds of witches, sorcerers, and their familiars covered the corner of Beach and Shore Boulevards.
*Photo by Bill Hancock*

Gulfport’s Witches Walk

“The Witch Walk does not ‘belong’ to anyone, it is a festive gathering that takes place every year all over the world,” the Facebook event page said.

However, one coven of 13 witches in 2017 inspired a lasting tradition in the city.

thirteen woman standing on stairs in witch costumes. — One coven of 13 witches in 2017 inspired this tradition after they dressed in witch costumes for the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Monster Mash fundraiser.
*Photo by Veronica Champion*

One of the original witches, Suzie King, said the group dressed up in their witchy attire for the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation’s Monster Mash that year. They business hopped starting at the Historic Peninsula Inn before ending the night at the Casino for the fundraiser.

The Witches Walk has turned into a community event that encourages people to shop and eat their way through Gulfport. It also hosts a costume contest.

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“We can continue to have fun together, if we can’t count on anything else, we can count on that,” said Kelli Garcia, one of the three judges of the costume contest.

In a steep competition, Ashley Wix won first place in the costume contest with her marvelous witch wear.

a person dressed as a witch with a white face and face paint. — Ashley Wix dressed as a crone witch and won the costume contest.
*Photo by Amelie Brazelton*

“I am honored to have won and am grateful for everyone that cheered for me,” Wix told The Gabber Newspaper. “Halloween is my favorite time of year! I feel the most like myself when I can dress up and let my inner crone witch out of the shadows. To be able to do it with so many others in this magical little town is priceless.”

A Spellbinding Dance

Later in the evening, a dance broke out in front of Neptune Grill. Witches swung their broomsticks as their black dresses whirled around their legs with each turn.

people dressed as witches in front of a restaurant — A witch dance broke out in front of Neptune Grill.
*Photo by Amelie Brazelton*

“Gulfport is back,” said Denise Estelle, waving her lace-gloved hands in the air.

Leading the witches dance, Estelle shared her enthusiasm for the day with her friends and dancers, Renee Carr and Elizabeth Hendricks.

Estelle said the witches danced the “Shüttel deinen Speck Dance,” a German name that means “Shake Your Fat.”

a person dressed as a mythical devil with a witch. — Krampus decided to join the magical celebration.
*Photo by Amelie Brazelton*

“This is really a happy town,” said Estelle. “We want to have fun and teach our kids how to have fun.”

This magical event takes place on the last Saturday in October. Next year’s walk lands on Halloween, a day that is sure to be the most wicked walk to date.

Look through more photos from Gulfport’s Witches Walk

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