Gasparilla Pirate Festival 2013
What It's All About
Aye, matey! If you’ve never heard of the infamous Spanish pirate, Jose Gaspar and his exploits, head to southwest Florida this January. Each year, Tampa hails back to the days where pirates ruled the sea, and the city transforms into a maritime celebration. The festival kicks off with a Krewe of residents arriving on a pirate ship and “invading” downtown Tampa. Tampa’s mayor then lends the captain the coveted key to the city, and mayhem ensues on Bayshore Boulevard .If you're looking for a more family friendly event, be sure to visit Tampa with the kiddos a week earlier for the Childrens Gasparilla Extravaganza .
2013 Event Details
Watch the Jose Gasparilla set sail on Hillsborough Bay , enjoy a feast at the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center. But whatever you do, don't miss out on the Parade of Pirates or the Pirate Fest Street Festival downtown. Where to Stay
On average, over 400,000 people attend the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, so plan accordingly. Hotels are likely to be booked (and overpriced), so last minute getaways may be difficult to swing.
Vacation rentals provide convenient and economical alternatives to hotels and resorts. Plan a vacation with a group and chip in on a vacation condo or villa to keep expenses low. Cook meals in your rental’s kitchen for even more savings. Home amenities range from outdoor hot tubs to indoor gyms, so search around before deciding on your ideal Tampa vacation rental.