2023 GASPARILLA PARADE COMES TO AN END

As the remaining stragglers file in, the party rolls on in downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park!

Gasparilla season is just getting started. Here are 5 must-see events coming to Tampa.

PARADE WINDING DOWN

The final pirates are making their way down Bayshore Blvd. and into downtown Tampa.

PIRATES PARADE DOWN BAYSHORE BOULEVARD

The 2023 Gasparilla Parade is officially underway! All 100-plus floats will make their way toward the City of Tampa sharing their booty along the 4.6-mile-long parade route.

MAYOR CASTOR SURRENDERS THE KEY TO THE CITY

Mayor Jane Castor has surrendered the key to the city to the Ye Mystic Krewe of Pirates.

PIRATES ARRIVE AT TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

The pirates have landed their boat at the Tampa Convention Center. They are now heading to take the mayor hostage.

INVASION BEGINS

The invasion has begun! The “Jose Gasparilla II” is leading a flotilla to demand the key to the city from Mayor Jane Castor.

The Jose Gasparilla (Credit: Bradenton Police Department)

MANTEE WATCH

Eagle 8 started its manatee watch to make sure the waters were clear for the invasion at 11:30 a.m.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ahoy, me mateys! Pirates are invading Tampa for this year’s Gasparilla.

The invasion is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. when the “Jose Gasparilla,” the only fully-rigged pirate ship in the world, will make its way into the city from the Hillsborough Bay and into the Seddon Channel.

Roads are already beginning to close as local law enforcement offers shut off areas for pedestrian safety.

Following the invasion, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair and community hero Matt Parrish will lead the Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest at 2 p.m.

Over 95 parade floats, 50 krewes, several bands, and the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates will journey down Bayshore Boulevard.