The annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest is nearly upon us, starting on January 25th, 2014. Just as in past years, Tampa will offer a host of fun activities in honor of the Pirate Fest, including the Gasparilla parade. If you have lived in 
the Tampa area for any length of time, you are probably well-aware of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival as well as the great events surrounding it; if you are new to the area, hang on to your hat and get ready for an exciting, fun-filled weekend. An unforgettable pirate-themed parade will delight you, while live music, fun activities for children, the Gasparilla Invasion brunch—as well as many more exciting activities—will complete your Gasparilla experience. Below is a list of the upcoming events and other helpful information.
January 18, 2014:
The Gasparilla Pirate Fest kicks off on January 18th (the weekend before the Pirate Invasion and Parade of Pirates) at 11:00 a.m. as the Gasparilla Children’s Parade and Piratechnic Extravaganza opens its doors to the younger crowd. Vendors and activities will keep your children engaged until the Preschooler’s Stroll at 1:30 p.m., and the Children’s Parade at 3:30 p.m. Then, at 7:00 p.m. adults and children alike will be amazed at one of the largest fireworks presentations in the country. The fictitious sea battle between the City of Tampa and the Pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla is re-created with blasts of shooting fireworks, and a musical soundtrack.
January 25, 2014:
The Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival begins at 10:00 a.m., and doesn’t end until 10:00 p.m. Visitors to the Festival—which will take place along Ashley Drive, from Kennedy to Cass Street—will find a wealth of beads, doubloons and other treasures—anything your heart desires! Food and entertainment abound at the Festival and long after the last marauding pirate has paraded down the streets of Tampa, the Festival will still be going strong. Admission is free to the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival.
The Gasparilla Invasion begins when the Jose Gasparilla sets sail at 11:30 a.m. The south end of Hillsborough Bay begins the journey; young and old alike will thrill to the shouts from legendary pirate Jose Gaspar who sails with his band of buccaneers as he returns to invade the City of Tampa. Intent on defending the city, pleasure crafts will sail out to meet Gaspar’s ship, but will soon join forces with the captain. The bright, colorful Gasparilla Flotilla will then make its way across Hillsborough Bay into Seddon Channel as cannon shots ring out. When the Gasparilla disembarks at the Tampa Convention Center—around 1:00 p.m.—the Mayor will surrender the Key to the City into the Hands of Captain Gasparilla. This event is free to the public and many waterfront areas in downtown Tampa will allow you to view this spectacular event. Those attending the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch may well have the best seats in the house to this exciting event.
The charming Gasparilla Invasion Brunch is held at the Tampa Convention Center at 333 S. Franklin Street from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Arrive early, as parking in the Tampa Convention Center and throughout downtown fills up quickly. Surrender early to the swashbuckling pirates in order to receive the treasures! Don’t forget to urge the Mayor to relinquish the Key to the City when the Gasparilla docks at the Convention Center. Celebrate Jose Gasparilla’s return to Tampa over a buffet-style brunch filled with a delicious assortment of tastes, tidbits, and pirate delicacies.
Perhaps the highlight of the day, and the event Tampa residents look forward to with anticipation, the Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, begins at 2:00 p.m. and lasts until 5:30 or so. As Captain Gasparilla and his crew make their way down historic Bayshore Blvd, and into downtown Tampa, the pirate’s wealth will be shared with the lively crowd. Over ninety elaborate floats, colorful costumes, marching bands and music will be the hallmarks of the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates. The parade is free to the public, however you can also purchase reserved bleacher seating.
Activities abound at the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest, but there are some important things to remember before you load up the family and head out to the festivities. The Gasparilla Children’s Parade is an alcohol-free event while the events on the 25th require that you follow certain rules; breaking those rules could result in a ticket costing a minimum of $75. The Tampa police will be looking for underage drinking, so if you are younger than 21—don’t drink. In order to avoid a DUI or BUI, both of which can cause serious, long-term repercussions, plan ahead. Have a designated driver or take public transportation or a taxi to your destination. You can purchase an all-day pass for either the HART or the TECO for only a few dollars, so take advantage of public transportation. In short, enjoy your day, but stay out of trouble! If you do make a misstep while celebrating Gasparilla, call the attorneys at Finebloom & Haenel, P.A.
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