Weekend at the Gasparilla

The well-known pirate festival Gasparilla was named after a pirate who terrorized the coastal water of West Florida, Jose Gaspar. A group named the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla first began this tradition in 1904 when they planned a mock pirate attack on Tampa. This group continues to put together the festival to commemorate the holiday every year on a Saturday in late January. It is said that Gaspar hid treasure worth $30 million somewhere along the Peace River.  

The parade is currently running along a 4.5-mile route with beads being thrown from more than 100 floats and five marching bands. It begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd then ends Cass St. and Ashley Drive. This is Tampa’s own version of Mardi Gras!    

I was able to go to the festival this weekend, and it was one to remember. There are several areas in and around Tampa including Soho, Virginia Park, and Hyde Park. You can purchase tickets to the actual parade, performances, or bars, whichever your group prefers. On your way out of Tampa, you can also stop at Busch Gardens or ZooTampa.