Tampa's Annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival!  What is it and why?

Ahoy, me hearties! Welcome to Tampa, Florida, home of the one and only Gasparilla. This annual event, which has been goin' on since 1904, celebrates the legend of José Gaspar, a notorious Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It all started back in the late 1800s, when a group of Tampa residents, known as Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, decided to organize an annual pirate-themed parade. They wanted to bring the community together with a bit of humor and fun. And let me tell you, it took off like a ship on the open sea!

In 1904, the first official Gasparilla parade was held, with the Krewe of Gasparilla sailin' a pirate ship into Tampa Bay and landing right in the heart of downtown. It was a sight to behold and the tradition has continued ever since.

Over the years, Gasparilla has grown and evolved, becomin' one of the largest and most popular events in the Tampa Bay area. Today, it features a parade with floats, marching bands, and pirate costumes, a street festival with food and live music, and a variety of other events and activities throughout the city.

The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is also a big part of the event, where you can witness a pirate invasion, enjoy live music and entertainment, and sample a wide variety of food and drink. The parade and street festival, which takes place on the last Saturday of January, is the highlight of the event, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the city.

Gasparilla is a Tampa tradition and a unique celebration of the city's pirate history. It's an event that draws visitors from around the world and is one of the most popular events in the Tampa Bay area. So, hoist the sails, grab a tankard of ale, and join us for a celebration like no other!