Gasparilla Pirate Festival :: Tampa Bay, Florida

The Gasparilla Festival is the Tampa Bay area’s largest annual event. It is a large outdoor festival and parade that takes place on the streets of Tampa along Bayshore Boulevard and throughout downtown Tampa. The annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival includes several events throughout the day including the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, the Gasparilla Invasion and the Gasparilla Brunch. Gasparilla was first held in May of 1904 however it was moved to the first Saturday in February in 2005. And every year, the week before the main parade, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sponsors a children’s parade and Piratechnic fireworks show over the waters of Tampa Bay.

The theme of the festival is an invasion by the pirate José Gaspar (Gasparilla) and his men. This begins when the crew, made up of residents of the city, arrives in an armada in the waters of Tampa Bay including a 165′ long pirate ship named The Jose Gaspar. Once the ships land , the mayor of Tampa then lends the key to the city to the pirate captain and a parade ensues down Bayshore Boulevard, one of Tampa’s major bay front streets. The crews throw beads, coins and other items while shooting blank pistols from floats during the parade.

Gasparilla is free to attend; however, parking can be difficult. Vendors of all kinds including food and alcohol can be found all along the parade route and the people are quite friendly. Participants are even encouraged to join Gasparilla’s armada in their own private ships but be sure to arrange dock space well in advance of the invasion. If you don’t like being in large crowds, but you still want your fair share of booty, consider one of the limited bleacher seats available. And avoid wearing sandals since open containers and large crowds could make life hard on your feet. You can save yourself a lot of money by packing a small portable cooler with beverages and some snacks for you and your party, just make sure you don’t use glass containers. Since 1954, the only fully rigged pirate ship built in modern times, the Jose Gasparilla has invaded the waters of Tampa Bay almost every year. And every year, thousands of people welcome it with a celebration that takes over the entire bay front. Be sure to check the Gasparilla Pirate Festival for yourself and don’t forget to bring your camera.

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