What is Gasparilla weekend in Tampa?
Daniel Martin
Updated on March 07, 2026
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a large parade and a host of related community events held in Tampa, Florida almost every year since 1904.
Similarly one may ask, how long does Gasparilla last?
GASPARILLA SEASON 2020 Starting with the nation's third-largest parade and running through road races, to festivals featuring music, art and film -- the entire destination bursts with activities for everyone for eight weeks.
Beside above, what should I wear to Gasparilla Tampa? Dress Like a Pirate: Gasparilla Garb Captain's jacket's, tri-corner hats and puffy shirts are staples of any respectable swashbuckler, while wenches don corsets and big flowy skirts.
Also to know, what is the point of Gasparilla?
It started in 1904, when Tampa's city fathers and captains of industry wanted to throw an annual party glorifying the city. They chose the mythical Jose Gaspar, nicknamed Gasparilla. He was the “last of the Buccaneers,” who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th century.
What time does the Gasparilla Parade start in Tampa?
5:30 p.m. Route: The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive.
Related Question Answers
What is Tampa Gasparilla?
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a large parade and a host of related community events held in Tampa, Florida almost every year since 1904. The focal point of Gasparilla is the Parade of Pirates, which is held on the last Saturday in January and is often referred to as the Gasparilla Parade.How much does Gasparilla cost?
Getting to and from Gasparilla An all-day pass is $4, which may be purchased in advance at HART retail outlets or on board buses on Gasparilla Day with cash only (no change provided). Passengers may also use their monthly bus pass. This fare does not cover City of Tampa parking fees.Is Gasparilla family friendly?
Known as the “alcohol-free” parade, the Gasparilla Children's Extravaganza consists of family-friendly and kid-orientated activities, followed by a parade along Bayshore Blvd. Alcohol is prohibited along the parade route.What time does Gasparilla end?
The Jose Gasparilla sets sail at the south end of Hillsborough Bay at 11:30 a.m., sails north to Seddon Channel (between Davis Island and Harbour Island), continues north and docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1:00 p.m.Can you bring alcohol to Gasparilla?
Gasparilla 2018 will have established wet zones where drinking is permitted within the confines of the parade. That means bringing your own alcohol and coolers to the parade is heavily discouraged. And styrofoam cups and glass containers are not allowed in the parade, so leave them at home.Why does Tampa celebrate Gasparilla?
The story of the often-mysterious Gaspar circulated around the Tampa area. In 1904, city officials and civic leaders decided to finally celebrate this victory over evil by adopting Gaspar as the patron rogue of this new, city-wide celebration.What time is the Gasparilla Parade 2020?
Invasion coming. People are lining up on foot and in boats for the first stage of Saturday's Gasparilla Pirate Fest, the pirate invasion that's scheduled to make landfall around 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. The Parade of Pirates follows at 2 p.m., along Bayshore Boulevard starting at Bay to Bay Boulevard.Do you need tickets for Gasparilla?
Is Gasparilla Pirate Fest free? Yes, Gasparilla is a FREE community event with over 100 years of history in Tampa Bay. Reserved seating is available for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center, the Children's Gasparilla Parade and the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates.Why were pirates so successful in Florida?
Florida's geography was ideal for pirates because pirates lived on ships that were on water so it was helpful so the pirates could hide the gold so no one would steal from the pirate. Pirates were so successful in Florida because pirates steal from other people and the land was good for hiding treasure.What can you do with Gasparilla beads?
What do you do with all those beads from Gasparilla. You can recycle them at the Florida Aquarium for a day of fun. TAMPA, Fla. — Plastic treasure!Where can I watch Gasparilla invasion?
Head to Harbour Island/jacksons waterfront area to watch the Invasion, Jose Gaspar and his crew get in around 1245pm, and dock at the Convention Center. Then you can either stay downtown to watch the parade, or head over to bayshore blvd and find a spot to watch the parade.Were there pirates in Tampa Bay?
The History Of Gasparilla And Its 'Mystic' Pirates. "Pirates" with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla really embrace their roles in the 1954 invasion. Pirates have fired off canons on the Jose Gasparilla II as the ship "invades" Tampa Bay since it was built in 1954.What is the Gasparilla Parade route?
Route: The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.Where is Gasparilla Bowl played?
The Gasparilla Bowl is an annual NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football bowl game played in the Tampa Bay Area. It was first played in 2008 as the St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Is Gasparilla real?
The theme of the festivities is an invasion by the mythical pirate José Gaspar (also known as Gasparilla), who is a popular figure in Florida folklore even though there is no evidence that he actually existed.Where does the Gasparilla Parade end?
Route: The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.Where can I park at Gasparilla?
If you want a safe, hassle-free option parking for Gasparilla, park at the Centro Ybor Parking Garage or the Palm Avenue Garage in Ybor City, and take the TECO Line Streetcar into Downtown Tampa.Do people dress up for Gasparilla?
Dress Like a Pirate: Gasparilla Garb Captain's jacket's, tri-corner hats and puffy shirts are staples of any respectable swashbuckler, while wenches don corsets and big flowy skirts.Where is the Gasparilla Parade in Tampa?
The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel from Bayshore into downtown Tampa. The Parade will cross into downtown over the Brorein Street bridge, turn north on Ashley Drive, and end at Cass Street and Ashley Drive in the heart of the Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa.How long is the Gasparilla Parade route?
To celebrate their capture of the City of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth – glittering beads, treasures and doubloons – with a lively, enthusiastic crowd all along the 4.5 -mile parade route.What roads are closed for Gasparilla?
Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7:00 a.m.- Ashley Drive from Brorein Street to Jackson Street.
- Brorein Street from Florida Ave.
- Franklin Street from Channelside Drive to Harbour Island Bridge.
- Old Water Street from Florida Ave.
- Washington Street from Ashley Drive to Tampa Street.
- Whitling Street from Ashley Drive to Tampa Street.
