Gasparilla
Gasparilla is a lively and popular annual event in Tampa, that celebrates the city's pirate history and culture.
Gasparilla is Tampa’s signature event, celebrated annually since 1904 and hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city, culminating in a celebratory parade down Tampa’s famed Bayshore Boulevard. Includes pirate-themed floats, music, marching bands, and plenty of bead-throwing, similar to Mardi Gras celebrations. It's a massive party that draws crowds from allover the world.
Jose Gasparilla is the famed Spanish Pirate who invaded the coast of Florida hundreds of years ago. He captured many ships, earning a fortune in treasure, most of which remains lost to this day. In 1821, a US Navy ship in disguise confronted Gasparilla’s ship, and a furious battle ensued. With defeat on the horizon, Gasparilla tied himself to an anchor chain and jumped into the sea, never to be seen again.
Gather ye little mates for a memorable day of family fun at the Ashley Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay. From the Preschooler’s Stroll to an acrobatic air show, a parade featuring pirate-strewn floats, dance performances, and marching bands to the Piratetechnic Fireworks Extravaganza, it’s a full day of daring adventure you won’t want to miss!
Batten down the hatches and get ready for Tampa’s signature Gasparilla event, Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Join hundreds of thousands of revelers as Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrates capturing the key to the City with a Parade of Pirates down Tampa’s famed Bayshore Boulevard. The parade features approximately 140 units of krewes, floats, marching bands, and social organizations.
Before returning to sea, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla boards the Jose Gasparilla II, the world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship, for a final Outbound Voyage. Join us in downtown Tampa to welcome the Krewe and local pediatric cancer survivors as the ship docks from an adventurous sail around Davis and Harbor Islands.