Avast, here there be Pirates! Tampa Bay is about to get invaded! And the locals couldn’t be happier! We are talking, of course, of the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Held on the last weekend in January, Gasparilla in one of Tampa’s oldest annual events. Dating all the way back to 1904, the invasion of the Gasparilla is full of fun and excitement. In this blog, we’ll be covering what the day long festival entails and it’ll be something you’ll be want to take part in, matey!
First, a bit of history regarding the man himself, Jose Gaspar. Gaspar was a true, died in the wool pirate. He ran roughshod over the coastal waters of Florida for years. While there are tales of his greed and blood-thirsty, his last attempt at looting a ship ended up being a trap set by the US Navy, there are several stories about this generosity. He let a woman he fell in love with go free as she had fallen in love with one of his own crew. He insisted they be married on his ship and were sent off with gifts and money. He also rescued an old classmate from a pillaged ship and cared for the man for months. These are but a couple of the stories associated with Jose Gaspar and embody the spirit of the festival. Its excitement coupled with generosity.
The festival is a one day event but it’s also an all-day event. It starts at 10am at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. Cannons roar as the Gasparilla makes its way into the harbor. Accompanied by a fleet of local boaters, the Gasparilla docks right by the convention center. Also beginning at 10am is the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch. You’ll have reserved seating on the convention center’s river walk, as well as prime viewing for the invasion. Muffins, Fruit and cheese, and breakfast classics like bacon and eggs will be served. The Brunch is a ticketed event so be sure to get your spot early!
After the ship docks and the invasion are completely underway, the Pirate Parade begins. Stretching from Bay to Bay and Bay shore Blvds all the way to Cass St and Ashley Dr, this free parade has so much to see! There’s more than 90 floats, 14 marching bands and over 50 different crews full of characters! This will be amongst festive decorations and vibrant music. While the parade is free you can buy special reserved bleacher seating for that perfect view.
After the parade is done, it’s time for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festive. There will be tons of food and beverage available for purchase including beer and Captain Morgan rum for the over 21 crowd. You can bring your own food if you’d like but the city does ask that you support the local vendors who are helping to fund the festival. You’ll also want to see the Gasparilla Invasion Stage, located on Ashley Drive and Whiting St, where live performances will be taking place throughout the event which ends at 10pm! So, make sure you’re at the Tampa Convention Center at 10am on January 25th. Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Article Source: http://bit.ly/1aozFNG
First, a bit of history regarding the man himself, Jose Gaspar. Gaspar was a true, died in the wool pirate. He ran roughshod over the coastal waters of Florida for years. While there are tales of his greed and blood-thirsty, his last attempt at looting a ship ended up being a trap set by the US Navy, there are several stories about this generosity. He let a woman he fell in love with go free as she had fallen in love with one of his own crew. He insisted they be married on his ship and were sent off with gifts and money. He also rescued an old classmate from a pillaged ship and cared for the man for months. These are but a couple of the stories associated with Jose Gaspar and embody the spirit of the festival. Its excitement coupled with generosity. The festival is a one day event but it’s also an all-day event. It starts at 10am at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. Cannons roar as the Gasparilla makes its way into the harbor. Accompanied by a fleet of local boaters, the Gasparilla docks right by the convention center. Also beginning at 10am is the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch. You’ll have reserved seating on the convention center’s river walk, as well as prime viewing for the invasion. Muffins, Fruit and cheese, and breakfast classics like bacon and eggs will be served. The Brunch is a ticketed event so be sure to get your spot early!
After the ship docks and the invasion are completely underway, the Pirate Parade begins. Stretching from Bay to Bay and Bay shore Blvds all the way to Cass St and Ashley Dr, this free parade has so much to see! There’s more than 90 floats, 14 marching bands and over 50 different crews full of characters! This will be amongst festive decorations and vibrant music. While the parade is free you can buy special reserved bleacher seating for that perfect view.
After the parade is done, it’s time for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festive. There will be tons of food and beverage available for purchase including beer and Captain Morgan rum for the over 21 crowd. You can bring your own food if you’d like but the city does ask that you support the local vendors who are helping to fund the festival. You’ll also want to see the Gasparilla Invasion Stage, located on Ashley Drive and Whiting St, where live performances will be taking place throughout the event which ends at 10pm! So, make sure you’re at the Tampa Convention Center at 10am on January 25th. Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
Article Source: http://bit.ly/1aozFNG
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