Over the weekend, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa turned the city into a swashbuckling adventure, bringing together thousands of people from all across Florida who traded their tank tops and shorts for coats, gloves and blankets.
The event, which has been around since 1904, started with a pirate invasion straight out of what seemed to be a storybook, as a massive pirate ship sailed into Tampa Bay and “took over” the city. Right as the pirates arrived, the excitement grew across downtown, with crowds of people lining the streets as early as 9 a.m.
The parade featured law enforcement motorcades, marching bands, elaborately decorated floats and this year’s grand marshal, three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Tampa Bay Lightning Forward Pat Maroon.
For many people attending, Gasparilla means bringing family and friends together. Despite temperatures dropping into the low 40s this year, that didn’t stop people from proudly dressing the part and showing their spirit for a longstanding tradition.
“Gasparilla is everything you hope Tampa would be,” said Donna Nelson, who has been going to the parade with her family for years. “It’s just such a beautiful experience to come together.”
