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History Of Gasparilla:

From Wikipedia: Gasparilla was first held in May 1904 in Tampa Bay, but the invasion originated on horseback instead of by boat. In years past, a Navy ship would be attacked by boats throwing Cuban bread and black bean soup! The invasion itself continues as "Capt. Jose Gaspar" and his crew of "Pirates" attack Tampa, surrounded by hundreds of other boaters as they sail the Gasparilla Ž Ship through Tampa Bay, proceed to land in Downtown Tampa and "take over the city."

Historically, Gasparilla Ž was held on the second Monday of February until 1988, when it was moved to a Saturday festival in February. This change allowed more local communities to take part in the celebration. In 2001, the event was moved to the last Saturday of January to coincide with Super Bowl XXXV weekend, since Tampa's Raymond James Stadium was hosting the game that year.

In 2004, the event celebrated its 100th anniversary. The first ever Gasparilla Pageant, crowning queens and kings of all ages to represent the celebration was produced by local ad girl, Stephanie Sims in 2007. This event crosses over the various Krewes.

Beginning in January 2008, an old tradition which ended in 1964 was revived. "The Gasparilla March Triumphant: The Return to the Sea" gives the event a sense of closure. During this ceremony, the Krewe's pirates return the key to the mayor and board the Jose Gasparilla to return to sea.

Thank you,

Pirate Steph

Major Events Coordinator
Info@Gasparilla.com

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