The 2012 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Saturday, January 28, in Tampa will feature the historic Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival.
The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla, and dock tableside at 1pm. The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, includes live entertainment, a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world.
Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, where a victory parade begins at 2pm at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually since 1904, winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring some 90 floats, marching bands and over 50 participating social organizations (i.e. krewes).
The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel from Bayshore into downtown Tampa ending in the new Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa.
Following the Parade, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest continues Tampa’s “piratical” fun with a variety of live entertainment on stages throughout Downtown Tampa.
For additional information or to purchase Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, log onto www.GasparillaTreasures.com. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Reservation Line at (813) 251-8844.
The week before, on Saturday January 21, the 2012 McDonald’s Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza is scheduled from 11am to 7:30pm. The alcohol-free McDonald’s Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza focuses on family friendly activities along Bayshore Boulevard and will feature the Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll, the Gasparilla Air Invasion, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade, and the Gasparilla “Pirathecnic Extravaganza.
For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.