Gasparilla is worth more than dollars and cents to Tampa Bay natives
The spirit of Gaspaprilla is deeply rooted in Ybor City.
The Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates, as it’s formally known, is one of the biggest events of the year in the Tampa Bay area. The parade draws over a half a million people to the area for a celebration of the city and deep-rooted pirate culture.
The annual tradition of an “invasion” started in 1904, when the City of Tampa and editors from the Tampa Tribune collaborated to promote the city and its May Day celebration. This gave birth to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, whose originally 40 members planned a faux invasion, complete with pirate ships and rented costumes from New Orleans. This began a Tampa institution that has only been missed 10 times in its 111-year history.
The parade, the 3rd largest in United States, generates over $22 million in revenue for local business in the area. Aside from a large financial push that the parade provides, and insane traffic tie ups, what does the parade mean for the people of Tampa?
“As someone born and raised in Tampa, Gasparilla is something to call our own,” says Marshall Thomas, a 24-year-old Tampa native. He has attended the parade every year as long as he can remember.
“It’s about our culture, from the smell of hand rolled cigars to reconstructed pirate ships recreating the legend of Jose Gaspar’s invasion, and it takes place in the most beautiful part of the city. In Tampa, Gasparilla is bigger than Christmas; it’s our identity,” he added.
More than anything, Tampa natives’ pride in their city is what brings everyone together, for at least one day a year. Even native transplants that live in other cities across the country make it a point return home for the festivities. Whether it’s being home for the marathon races, concerts, or one of the parades, anyone with ties to the Bay area has Gasparilla marked on their calendar.
“When you leave Tampa, and you know it’s that time of year, you feel like there is a part of you missing,” says Chris Rojas, a Tampa native that recently moved to Kentucky, but returned for the yearly celebration. “It’s a day to bring old and new friends together, and just act like a bunch of pirates! Who doesn’t want to act like a pirate?” he asked.
Chuck Muller is a Contributing Writer for The Hawkeye
Chuck is a Florida native, living in Tampa since age 6. After graduating from Sickles...
Aaren Field • Mar 11, 2015 at 2:49 pm
I have been to the Gasparilla festival for the past 8 years and it is always one of my favorite days of the year. Besides the partying, this article is correct in pointing out the other important aspects of the parade. I have no idea that this was the 3rd largest parade US, or that it generated $22 million for the city. It’s definitely part of the cultural identity of Tampa, and does a great job in highlighting the history of the city, As a long time Tampa resident, I agree that there is a certain amount of pride that comes with the Gasparilla parade.