Gasparilla guide how to walk the plank. The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is a Tampa tradition that has been drawing visitors to the city for over a century. This year, an estimated 300,000 people will line Bayshore Boulevard to watch as more than 150 floats, bands and various krewes toss beads and trinkets into the crowd. In short, the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is a must-see event for those visiting Tampa. With its lively atmosphere, colorful floats and costumes, and a rich history, it’s a celebration that’s not to be missed. TBT
History
The festival was founded in 1904 by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a group of prominent Tampa citizens who are still the organizers of the event today. The parade is based on a fictional pirate named Jose Gaspar and is held annually in late January or early February.
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When Is The Invasion
The event starts with a “pirate invasion” in which a fully-rigged pirate ship called the Jose Gasparilla (which is actually a barge dressed up as a pirate ship) leads a flotilla of boats across Tampa Bay, firing cannons as they go. The parade then starts at Bay to Bay and Bayshore boulevards and ends at Cass Street and Ashley Drive, lasting from 2 to 6 p.m.
(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
What's In It For Me
The atmosphere of the parade is lively, with music, cannon fire, and costumed revelers. Alcohol stations can be found along the parade route. Today, the event is organized by more than 60 krewes, which include Latin, female, and Black krewes, as well as other ethnic, cultural, and historical themes.
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Is That All There Is
In addition to the parade, the event includes an expanded Pirate Fest that takes place along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. This features live entertainment pre- and post-parade in Curtis Hixon Park and MacDill Park, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Can I Park Anywhere
Attendees should be aware that streets around the parade route begin closing Friday night, and parking can be difficult to find. City garages charge $5 to $20 per vehicle on parade day, but many tend to fill up by 10:30 a.m. The city of Tampa has released a parking bulletin with the names and prices of local downtown garages, which can be found at tinyurl.com/5dawerah. Road closures and detours can also be found at tampa.gov.
(Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)