After a year off for COVID-19, Gasparilla returns bigger than ever.
Courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay
By Aubrey Carr
Grab your pirate hat and beads: Gasparilla returns to Tampa Bay this weekend.
After a COVID-19 related cancellation in 2021, Gasparilla is making a comeback for its 106th season — and according to the Tampa Bay Times, it is expected to be the biggest one yet.
Based around the myth of famed pirate Jose Gaspar’s invasion of Tampa, Gasparilla has become a household name for Tampa Bay citizens looking for a good time.
Since its 1904 inaugural event, Gasparilla has grown from a one-day parade to an entire season of pirate-themed fun, running from late January through the end of March.
Though festivities run throughout the year, its major draw is the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest –– an annual, all-day event held on the last Saturday of January in Tampa.
With over 300,000 attendees every year, the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates is renowned as the third largest parade in the nation and a major source of economic gain for Tampa Bay.
This year, the festivities set sail on Jan. 29 and run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees can expect floats, both on the sea and in the streets, and a full day of pirate-themed activities.
Starting at 10 a.m., eager participants can reserve a spot for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, taking place at the Tampa Convention Center. Guests can expect buffet-style food, a cash bar and live entertainment while enjoying the view of the waterside pirate invasion.
The Invasion of Pirates begins at 11 a.m. Hundreds of boats will take to Tampa’s waters, led by the 165-foot long “Jose Gasparilla” –– a mock pirate ship built from an old barge, all leading up to the official pirate takeover.
Each boat is manned by its respective social organization, or “krewe,” with the main boat staffed by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the organization that hosts the parade.
At 1 p.m., the Jose Gasparilla and its accompanying flotilla will dock in front of the convention center, kicking off the rest of the parade.
After a successful invasion, the pirates will head to the streets for the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates at 2 p.m.
Featuring 103 floats, five marching bands and 50 participating krewes, the main parade marches through downtown Tampa. All along Bayshore Boulevard, krewe members, decked out in their best pirate garb, throw traditional beads and treats into the audience.
Don’t worry, the fun doesn’t end with the parade. Head to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and MacDill Park from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the full Gasparilla Pirate Fest experience to enjoy live entertainment and drinks.
Events will spread far after the parade, as well:
- Feb. 25 – 27: Want to listen to some of Tampa Bay’s best artists? Try the Gasparilla Music Festival.
- Feb. 26: The pirates return to the sea for the Gasparilla Outbound Voyage.
- Feb. 26 & 27: Get some exercise at the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
- March 5 & 6: Art lovers can enjoy the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.
- March 10 – 13: Like movies? Check out the Gasparilla International Film Festival.
To purchase tickets for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch or to reserve special seating for the Parade of Pirates, visit Gasparillatreasures.com
