
Going-ons At Gasparilla!
Arts & Entertainment February 11, 2016by Jayme Schwartz
It’s that time of year again… the lively weekend when all Tampa Bay locals gather to partake in one of the largest pirate invasions around, better yet known as Gasparilla! This pirate infested extravaganza took place on January 30th this year, filling the street with over 200,000 bead hungry fans. This monumental event spread along Bayshore Blvd in South Tampa and encouraged thousands of rowdy locals to play along as buccaneers for the day. Not only were the roads blocked off for party goers, but hundreds of boaters cruised in and out of Tampa’s small canals to join the party from the bay side. Flying beads, endless vendors, and lots of flowing drinks twisted this shore line parade into an amusing afternoon affair. This long lasting tradition was adopted and formed back in 1904 and continues to grow tremendously each year. With tons of smiles and everlasting pirate costumes, this invasion was one for the books!
- Bright and early in downtown Tampa
- 9. Party goers line up to watch the floats
- The Pirate Ship
- Boaters hung flags off their boats
- Boaters hung flags off their boats
- 2. Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla
- Skull float with smoke
- 11. Locals urging bead throwers to hand over the goods
- Hundreds of locals ready to catch some beads
- Outback Bowl’s sparkling float
- Pirate Joe
- University of Tampa’s epic pre-parade celebration
- 8. Friends gather on the sidelines