A Tampa tradition since 1904, the annual Gasparilla Fest sets sail in the wee morning hours of Saturday, January 29 as Hillsborough Bay braces itself for yet another invasion by the tall-masted Jose Gasparilla pirate ship. The ship will appear at the south end of the bay at 11:30 a.m., where it will be met by a multitude of pre-registered pleasure crafts. Will these captains be prepared to defend the city, or join the pirates in all of the marauding fun?The colorful Gasparilla Flotilla, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, will make its way north across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (channel between Davis Island & Harbour Island) for the official Gasparilla Invasion. After docking at the Tampa Convention Center at 1:00 p.m, the Mayor will surrender the Key to the City of Tampa into the hands of the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and onlookers are invited to join the pirates? victory celebration in the Parade of the Pirates down Bayshore Boulevard. The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will have more than 130 units ? including more than 90 elaborate floats, 14 marching bands, over 50 distinct Krewes.
Other events related to Gasparilla Fest 2011 include the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and the Pirate Street Festival. The parade is free of charge and begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashley Drive. The parade ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive. For more information visit Gasparillapiratefest.com.
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