Introduction
If you’ve already visited Tampa and are enchanted with the city, I have a suggestion for you: the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. This event is one of the biggest annual celebrations in the Tampa Bay Area, and of course, I had to check that out this year. At the beginning of the year, this Downtown Tampa event brings people from Florida and beyond together for a pirate-themed celebration, including a big parade, kid-friendly festivities, live music, and much more.
What is it?
It all started with Jose Gaspar, «last of the Buccaneers,» a pirate who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
After his death, his story circulated in the Tampa area. His memory was revived in 1904 when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was created and adopted this pirate as patron rogue of their city-wide celebration. They surprised Tampa residents with a mock pirate attack on the city now known as the Pirate Invasion today.
The mock invasion was such successful that city officials decided to turn Gasparilla into the huge, annual event we know it as now.
How was it for me
My personal experience in Tampa was full of luck for the first time. Usually, it happens in two different parades in the bay shore area. The first one is the pirate’s boat parade in the water, and right after, the floats start to pass by, one from a different krewe.
One of the highlights of this second parade is the throws. It can include beats, as the one in the Mardi gras, until accessories, depending on the intention of the float. I got lucky and acquired the rubber duck for the first time. Usually, the ones with different more oversized items inside of the necklace or vibrant colors are the ones that are harder to get because the people inside the float throw it less.
It’s better during the parade to stay at the same spot and bring your little bag with water and some snacks because you can spend the whole afternoon at the Bayfront area.
And my final advice concerns your breathing. Usually, it is expensive to get an uber during the day due to the traffic since the parade gathers many people. So try to get there earlier, before the parking spots are complete. And be ready; you will walk a lot. That’s why most people who attend the event are tired of it by the end of the day.
Why you shouldn’t miss it
It would be best not to miss it because it is considered the second most significant event in the USA, losing only to Mardi Gras. The whole city transforms itself with a pirate theme. Most people on the street come in costumes and embrace the cause. The bars and restaurants change their menu and interior decoration to participate in the party.
Conclusion
After all, I can look back and conclude that it was one of the best weekends of this month, not only for the friends who joined me in this adventure but also because of the city’s spirit. Everyone was partying and celebrating, willing to help each other, and very welcome. As a Brazilian, it reminded me of a small-scale carnival. It was good to revive this feeling.
