Gasparilla Invasion
add photos4 Reviews for Gasparilla Invasion
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60 families found this helpful
"Wear your pirate gear!"
Shouting for beads with my granddaughter at this parade is so much fun. We get dressed up as pirates and line Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa to watch the parade of pirates. They toss out beads and there's plenty for everyone even though the competition is pretty tough! Get there early to enjoy the pre-parade activities and plan to bring your own picnic.
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"Well suited for older pirates"
This annual event is incredibly popular with pirates of all ages. Dressing up is the norm rather than the exception and everyone really enjoys talking like a pirate throughout the day. If you have pint sized pirates, plan to arrive extra early to secure a spot along the bridges in downtown Tampa to watch the ships. You'll have a great view of the pirate ship invasion without a lot of the wild crowds around you. Once on land near the Convention Center, the pirates parade begins. Plan for parking challenges, college kids who drink a bit too much and aggressive bead catchers and you'll be prepared for anything.
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"Ayy matey, where is me booty?"
The gasparilla invasion is a once a year event that is a local favorite. Everyone dresses up like pirates and just has a good time. The "real" pirates are out on their boats firing at each other while throwing out beads to everyone who is having a good time. The parade then begins and its more beads. Its Tampa's Mardi Gras for sure!
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"Fun with the Family"
Downtown is the site of the town’s best festival, which takes place in February—a recreation of the legend of local hero, pirate Gasparilla. Invasion Day thunders with the harbor landing of hundreds of swashbuckling pirates aboard the tri-masted Jose Gasparilla pirate ship, followed by a boisterous parade along Bayshore Boulevard. Monthlong festivities include street dances, foot races, Ybor City’s concurring Fiesta Day street festival and illuminated night parade (813-248-3712), and the Florida State Fair at Florida Expo Park (813-621-7821 or, in Florida, 800-345-FAIR).
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