Gasparilla
 

I was just wondering if anyone else was at the Gasparilla Day Parade in Tampa? I went with a few of my sisters, and we had a blast! Is anyone planning on going to the night parade on the 16th?

I wanted to go so bad but my friend's 21st was this weekend so I had to stay here. A lot of my sisters drove out to Tampa this weekend for Gasparilla. I always said that I would make it out there for Gasparilla sometime during my college years. I have one more year left to do that!

OK call me dumb but what exactly is Gasparilla day??!!

Gasparilla is a celebration in Tampa commemorating the invasion of Jose Gaspar and his pirates in the year ? Sorry I have no clue, but I am not a Tampa native, and am still a little fuzzy on the historical facts. Anyways, it usually happens near the beginning of February, last year it was Super Bowl weekend because of all the tourists, and then the night parade happens 2 weeks later. The pirates all ride in on ships, and then the mayor gives Jose Gaspar the key to the city, and the pirates proceed to invade downtown Tampa, which is the parade. There are different Krewes, which are on floats, and then bands, and various other parade floats. The pirates walk it, or ride on floats and throw out beads. For me, and most college kids, it's an excuse to enjoy the weather, hang out with friends, and catch some beads. (OK, and drink, but just a little! ;) ) The night parade is a little more crazy, and I've heard that some girls have problems keeping their tops on in order to get some beads...:rolleyes: It's not Mardi Gras people!