gasparilla
Gasparilla is one of the largest parades in the country with about 300,000 people flocking to see the “parade of pirates” along 4 ½ miles of Tampa Bay. The parade boasts about 150 floats, marching bands and organizations. The parade is led by the float of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Gasparilla began in 1904 and was inspired by Mardi Gras.
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla's float is the only float where you will see true pirates. The other floats all have distinct themes and are governed by the Inter Krewe Council, the unifying voice for the Krewes. Floats must be approved to participate in Gasparilla and must meet criteria. Examples of some of the Krewes are the Krewe of Girls ‘N Pearls, the Krewe of the Conch Republic, Krewe of Grace O’Malley, Krewe of Italia and the Social Pirate’s Krewe – Krewe of the Conquistadors. You can learn more about joining a Krewe here.
Cathcing beads thrown from the floats is an intregal part of Gasparilla and a parade goer with a bounty of beads around their neck is a prideful display. The parade winds along Bayshore Blvd. and Tampa Bay. Many of the grand homes along Bayshore Blvd. throw elaborate Gasparilla parties to view the parade. Parade goers can join the street crowds or purchase bleacher seats.
Experiencing gasparilla with a krewe
Krewe of the Conquistadors 2024 Gasparilla float.
The Krewe of the Conquistadors tailgate at the 2024 Gasparilla parade.
The Krewe of the Conquistadors throw beads to parade spectators along Bayshore Drive during the 2024 Gasparilla parade.
Floats lined up along Bayshore Drive in Tampa, FL awaiting the commencement of the 2023 Parade of Pirates.
Capturing the Essence of gasparilla
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Gasparilla Facts
How many people attend the Gasparilla Parade each year?
Exact numbers are hard to determine. However, an estimated 400,000 people attend the Gasparilla Parade each year.
What was the 1st Gasprilla?
1904
How did Gasparilla start?
Some Tampa community leaders created Gasparilla to celebrate Tampa Bay. They incorporated concepts from Mardi Gras with the pirate history of the area.
How did Gasparilla get it's name?
The pirate festival is named after pirate Jose Gaspar. Gaspar is said to have wreaked havoc along the Gulf Coast of Florida in the 18th century. Folklore is that he died leaving a buried treasure in the Gulf of Mexico. Gaspar may be a fictional character - we'll never know!
What is the Pirate Invasion?
Just prior to the parade, Tampa is invaded by pirates. The Gasparilla Pirate Invasion is a reenactment of a pirate invasion of Tampa Bay. After the fleet of ships reach land at Bayshore Blvd. (near the parade route), the Gasparilla Parade commences.
What is the Joe Gasparilla II ship?
The Jose Gasparilla II is a 165' replica of an 18th century West Indiaman ship. It is considered the world's only fully rigged pirate ship. Today, the ship is captained by The Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and leads the Pirate Invasion.
The Joe Gasparilla II ship
The Joe Gasparilla II ship
