Gasparilla Pirate Fest is arguably the most popular celebration that occurs annually in Florida comparable to Mardi Gra in New Orleans. It centers around the legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, who patrolled the Gulf of Mexico waters along the west coast of Florida and Western Caribbean around the turn of the 19th century. While there are not many historical details of Gaspar’s life and endeavors as one of the last true pirates, it is believed he based his operations near what is present day Charlotte Harbor. There are accounts that he held prisoners on what has come to be known as Gasparilla Island. Some say he left behind buried treasure somewhere near the mouth of the modern-day Peace River, perhaps even on the island itself! However, that is more legend than fact much like Gaspar the man.
Gasparilla Invasion
In 1904 the city of Tampa began a celebration to honor the last Buccaneer. It has grown in scale to a nationally recognized event. Pirate Fest begins on the last Saturday in January as the sun rises over Tampa Bay. The Jose Gasparilla pirate ship begins its journey up Hillsborough Bay toward downtown Tampa. As it makes its way north toward the Convention Center, hundreds of boat-owning pirates forego their citizenship to join the flotilla. With cannons blazing the mock invasion begins. The Gasparilla passes the shores of Davis Island. The city police do their best to fend off the attack. It is hopeless.
Hundreds of local business owners shred the reality of daily life to dress in full pirate attire. It’s too much for the local municipality. The ship docks at the Convention Center where the pirates rush in cheered by tens of thousands of pirate wannabees. The mayor has no choice except to surrender the city to the fearless band of buccaneers.
The Parade of Pirates
With the pirates in control, the city erupts into a celebration. The pirates’ parade down Tampa’s infamous Bayshore Boulevard. They hurl their booty into a massive crowd that lines both sides of the street to welcome the villainous scallywags. For nearly three hours floats sponsored by local businesses escort the pirates on their journey. Food stands and beer tents box in the party so there is little hope of escaping hungry or sober. It is a good time for all whether you remember the details the next morning or not.
The invasion and parade of the pirates has become a phenomenon. Yet, it’s merely part of a series of events that span several weekends in January and February of each year. The festivities include outdoor concerts, arts and crafts, a film festival, and a 5K run known as the Gasparilla Distance Classic .
On the Saturday prior to the invasion, the future pirates of Tampa Bay are honored with the Gasparilla Children’s Extravaganza, a scaled down version of the mayhem to follow a week later. Alcohol is not permitted at this event, but the floats and costumes leave nothing to be desired. Fireworks illuminate the night sky ending the children’s parade an festiviites. But it’s also a warning. The granddaddy of all parades is on the horizon. As the sun sets just before the fireworks, the silhouette of a pirate ship appears on the horizon. There is no escape! The pirates are coming!
