Well shiver me timbers, guess what time of year is it? It's time for the very popular Gasparilla Pirate Festival held in Tampa every year at this time. But do you know why we celebrate Gasparilla?
The name comes from a pirate named Jose Gaspar who pirated Florida's waters during the late 18th, early 19th century. Thinking of disbanding, they decided on seizing one last ship. Little did they know the ship was a US Navy warship disguised. There was a deadly battle, ending with Jose Gaspar's death. In 1904 city officials adopted the event as a yearly citywide celebration. It wasn't till Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla members put on masks, and on horseback staged a fake pirate invasion. It was so popular it turned into the huge Gasparilla event we have today.
So what can you see and do during this widely popular festival? Here is a list of events with the festival starting at 11:00 am.
The Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza is a family friendly event featuring a parade, marching band, performers, and beads! It's from 3:30 - 6:00 and goes down bay To bay Boulevard to Edison Avenue.
The Pirate Fest starts with a parade at 1:00 with Jose Gasparilla sailing into Tampa Bay firing off cannons. This is the world's only fully rigged pirate ship. He will then dock at the Tampa Convention Center. This is when you will see the mayor handing over the key to the city. This is the nation's 3rd largest parade, with street performers, food and music. This is a free event, but you buy reserved seating for $45-60.
The Gasparilla Distance Classic is an annual race that takes place February 25th-26th and benefits many charities in the bay area.
The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is a free art festival that takes place March 4-5 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. There is also a week long Gasparilla Film Festival running March 2-9.
All of the events finally end with on Saturday March 4th at the Channelside Plaza when the mayor demands the return of the key to the city and the pirates returning to the sea. It all winds up at 6:30 pm with a final cannon salute.
Keep in mind this event gets very crowded. It drew 300,000 people last year. So dress up like a pirate, have fun and be safe!
 |
| GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST BEADS |
Wow that is a ton of people, must be a heck of a good time if it draws that many people. Now that takes some planning.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this festival although I have visited Tampa a few times. Sounds like a lot of fun for the family!
ReplyDeleteI knew nothing of this until reading your article here! What FUN! Granted they made a festival after a PIRATE haha but I have to admit I do love the lore and legend of pirates. :) I would love to go to this festival!
ReplyDeleteI've heard about this because I have family in Florida, but I've never been! I hope to go at least once in my lifetime! Same with Mardi Gras in NOLA!
ReplyDeleteJasmine / www.jasminekeclipse.com
This never happens in India. I wish I could relocate. This is like a dream come true. You have pics?
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of Gasparilla Pirate Festival, but it sounds interesting! I guess I will have to visit Tampa again some time, but this time, during this festival.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like SO MUCH FUN! I wish they did something like this up in Boston - I would be there in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this festival, but it sure sounds like a great time. I would love to check this out in person!
ReplyDeleteHow fun does this sound? I would love to do something like this! Would be a lot of fun especially for the younger crowd! - Jeanine
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I havent heard of this festival. It does sound like a blast.
ReplyDeleteGasparilla Pirate Festival held in Tampa sounds interesting indeed. I would love to go to this festival some day. Thanks for sharing the information.
ReplyDeleteI think my son would enjoy a pirate festival minus the beads. That's a very huge crowd!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so fun. I think my kids would enjoy the pirate aspect of this festival.
ReplyDeleteWow! 3000,0000 people is a lot of people. Must be a really great even then to draw so many supporters. I think I would have a really, great time at an event like this. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, my son would love this! I haven't heard of this before...probably because I don't live anywhere near Florida!
ReplyDeleteMy nieces would love this. The pirate festival sounds like it would be a whole lot of fun for people of all ages.
ReplyDelete