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Gasparilla Pirate Fest

The Jose Gasparilla pirate ship, Tampa. Photo by Matt Larson, © EventFest, Inc.

when:Jan 2011 (annual)
where:Tampa
cost:Free
time:11.30am-5.30pm

The Gasparilla Pirate Fest draws crowds of more than 500,000 for each spectacular event. The Floridian festival includes the "invasion" of Tampa by a fully working pirate ship and continues with a parade and various festivities.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest originated in 1904 when men invaded Tampa on horses due to their lack of a ship. Today the invasion takes place in style. The 164-foot-tall Jose Gasparilla pirate ship leads a flotilla of boats from the south end of Hillsborough Bay. The Mayor of Tampa Florida surrenders to the pirates, who then celebrate with a parade of up to 100 floats.

The parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard and ends at Jackson and Marion Streets. The subsequent downtown street festival presents on-stage live music and entertainment.

Related Information

Website: Gasparilla Piratefest Website

Town Information:Tampa
Full Name:
Name:Florida USA ('Visit Florida')
Location:Florida
Address:2540 W. Executive Center Circle, Suite 200, Tallahasee, FL, 32301
Phone:+1 850 205 3805
Fax:+1 850 201 9606
Event details can change. Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.