Gasparilla is one of the biggest events that is held on Bayshore, or in Tampa even. If you live in Tampa and haven’t been to a Gasparilla parade, you are definitely missing out. But, I find it hard to believe that you haven’t been to a Gasparilla if you live anywhere near Bayshore. I don’t exactly know how to describe the feeling but, Gasparilla makes for one of the biggest celebrations in the Tampa Bay area. It’s fun, it’s adventurous. Who wouldn’t want to dress up in a crazy pirate outfit and walk miles and miles for fun?

Gasparilla is such a big event that brings Tampa and surrounding communities together. Every January since 1904, the Tampa community has united as a whole for this very holiday. There is something about loud music, shiny beads and big parades that gets us Tampanians going. This long-lasting, Tampa tradition is good for the community.

It is cool to think that Tampa has its own, unique holiday. Many people outside of Tampa have no idea what Gasparilla is. I mean why would they? The more people that know about it, the more it brings awareness to the city. This tradition has only been broken 11 times for world wars, temporary lulls and our very own pandemic. Our uniqueness is beneficial because it brings a special flare to Tampa. Some people that moved away from Tampa fly back here just for Gasparilla. One of my friends is coming back from college and bringing her friends to get the experience as well.

I think it was a really good idea to have two different parades, one for kids and one for adults. In 1947 they started the Children’s Parade, which is a much more kid-friendly parade where less alcohol involved. The adult parade, on the other hand, gets a little rowdier. The whole reason they created a separate day for the adults is that it can sometimes get a little out of control. However, having a kids parade, kids can still get the experience of Gasparilla, getting to dress up in their favorite pirate gear and getting about 10 pounds of beads, while also keeping them away from drunk adults.

A concern many have is that a lot of beads are found in the ocean, endangering marine life. While this could be bad for the environment, according to Fox News, in 2019 (the last Gasparilla parade), there were over 400 people who helped volunteer to clean up garbage and beads all around Bayshore. That doesn’t stop people from throwing beads into the ocean but, it shows that the people of Tampa do care about their environment and make an effort to clean up their city.

I can’t put it any more simply. Gasparilla is fun. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, it is fun for all. Getting together with friends, dressing up in pirate costumes and watching the decorated floats drive by while beads are thrown in the air is an exciting event that many people from Tampa wait for.