Step into my shoes for a minute… You’re the mother of two teen boys and a girlie-girl who’s eight. You’ve been invited to experience the “Children’s Gasparilla Parade,” something you’ve never heard of. Now imagine telling those teen boys, “We’re going to the children’s parade while we’re in Florida.” That statement implies we are not going to Busch Gardens, at least not on parade day.
The boys were not excited about the Children’s Gasparilla Parade. To their credit, they did not complain, drag their feet, make sarcastic comments or sneer. They came along, no bribes (or threats) required. And they were surprised! Very, very surprised!
History of the Children’s Gasparilla Parade
The Children’s Gasparilla Parade is named for legendary pirate Jose Gaspar, “last of the Buccaneers,” who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 1700’s through 1821. Gaspar captured 36 ships in his first twelve years as a pirate. Before “retiring” from pirate life, Gaspar decided to raid one last merchant ship. Too late, the crew realized that the merchant ship was a warship in disguise. The Navy ship won the bloody battle, but to avoid capture, Gasparilla wrapped himself in heavy chain and jumped to his death in the roiling sea.
Rumors persisted that Gasparilla left an enormous fortune buried somewhere on the west Florida shore. The treasure has never been recovered, but the mythical pirate’s escapades left a colorful impression on Floridians. When the city of Tampa planned its first city festival, the legendary Gasparilla inspired the theme. The first Gasparilla festival in 1904 was such a success that the Mardi Gras-like festival continues today. The week-long festival each January begins with the family-friendly, alcohol-free Children’s Gasparilla Parade. The traditional (adult, more Mardi Gras-like) festival wraps up the weeklong party the following weekend. For more, read the full history here.
I could go on, but the photos tell the story better. Enjoy this glimpse into the Children’s Gasparilla Parade… and find out what the teens think. Read on!
The Day Begins with the Preschoolers Stroll
The Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza kicks off with a Preschoolers Stroll… families and kids decked out as pirates for their own parade. This cute family from the Tampa area agreed to this photo!
The day continues with an exciting display by the United States Special Operation Jump Team – The Para-Commandos. They put on quite a show and bring the U.S. Flag to the parade. Watching the commandos freefall before gently floating to the ground certainly adds to the fun factor.
The Highlight of the Day: The Children’s Gasparilla Parade
No parade would be complete without a grand marshal or three! These guys insist their reputation can only improve at their inclusion in this post. So fun!
A pirate parade would not be complete without pirates!
According to the locals, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade is a bit friendlier than the adult affair.
These ladies handed out beads to kids along the route, much nicer than getting pelted in the head by flying beads!
These krewes (groups whose members organize and participate in costumed parades around the Gulf of Mexico, most notably Mardi Gras in New Orleans) take their roles seriously!
I met a young lady who attends this high school. She was so sweet and filled me in on many things Gasparilla! I just had to include her school float.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.
Ellie made a new friend!
And she gathered beads…. lots and lots of beads!
Yes, the boys got into it too!
Even Dad got in on the action, laughing, yelling and wrestling the boys for beads. Too fun!!!
Isn’t he cute?
In case you’re still wondering… Yes, the teens had a blast!
Yes, my teens loved the whole thing! The Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza was the highlight of our trip, something we’ll remember for years to come.
And Ellie did too!
The guys help Ellie show off her treasure. Maybe she found Gasparilla’s lost treasure?
Tips to Enjoy the Children’s Gasparilla Parade
- Arrive early! More than 300,000 people attend the extravaganza on Bayshore Boulevard. Arrive early to stake out a great spot along the parade route and to get the best parking. Some people parked more than a mile away.
- Bring a wagon or cart. Lugging beach chairs, blankets, picnics, snacks, and sunscreen can get tiring. The experienced guests brought wheels to lug stuff around.
- Bring hand wipes/sanitizer. The city provides lots of porta-potties, which is great, but…
- Remember sunscreen. Even an overcast day like the one we had still means hours of exposure. Wear sunscreen!
- Relax! It’s a pirate parade. Enjoy!!! The whole thing is so well done and people are quite friendly.
We’d like to thank Tampa Bay & Company for arranging our experience, the Scully Hospitality Tent for hosting us, and Catering by the Family for feeding us. We enjoyed every minute of this event!
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters says
I have teenagers so I can absolutely understand how the day could have gone. Mine are usually pretty good sports too. If your kids had to go to a children’s parade, it looks like this was definitely the right one to go to! It looks and sounds like it was a great time for everyone- no matter what your age.
I loved learning about the legend of Gasparilla!
Thanks for joining the Best of the USA blog hop! I hope you’ll link up again next month!
C. Lee Reed says
You must have been in my neck of the woods. I’m about to post for Scary Mommy’s travel guide and I’d like to link to your experience in my story on Tampa. Sounds like you had great fun!
Rosey says
I love the pictures, and it does look like it was such a good time. How fun that even the older ones really liked the festivities!
Pamela R says
the photos speak volumes!! Does look like EVERYONE had a blast!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Another surprising thing about Tampa! I love how colorful all the beads are and how all your kids had such a wonderful time and all that loot.
Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club says
How fun! I bet the kids just go crazy for it:)
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
It looks like your teens had fun after all! This seems like a great family event.
InsideJourneys says
Had never heard of Jose Gaspar before. The parade looks like fun.
mamawolfe says
I’ve always thought it would be great fun to visit Mardi Gras…pretty far away from where I live, but I love to be immersed in those real local, cultural celebrations. Thanks for giving me a virtual glimpse!
Terri @ Travel 50 States with Kids says
Oh, that looks like a blast!!! And I absolutely love it when teenage boys end up liking something so much better than they thought they would. (Can you tell I have one too?) I love the last picture of Ellie covered in beads. Yes, I think she found the treasure!
Karen says
Thanks, Terri! I appreciate that my sons go along with my ideas, but it’s so much sweeter when they actually enjoy them.
Lisa from Gone With The Family says
The parade looks like so much fun! That’s quite the haul of beads that your daughter got!
Karen says
We sent a bunch of them to school to replenish teacher treasure chests! Share the wealth 🙂
Kelly Blackwell says
Looks like so much fun! I dated a guy back in the day…way back in the day who shared that event experience with me. I am so glad you touched on it today. I may never experience it in person, but I was delighted to experience it here. 🙂
Karen says
Except for parking, it sure seemed organized. The parade runs along the waterfront, so all the parking is on one side of the parade. People rented out their yards and side streets were jammed up, but the police did a great job running the traffic lights. They’ve been doing this a long time and it shows!
budget jan says
300,000 is a lot attendees. Our whole city only has 200,000 residents. Must be a logistical nightmare to organize. Fun for everyone else though. First photo sets the scene.
Karen says
Except for parking, it sure seemed organized. The parade runs along the waterfront, so all the parking is on one side of the parade. People rented out their yards and side streets were jammed up, but the police did a great job running the traffic lights. They’ve been doing this a long time and it shows!
Thanks for the compliment on the photo. I’m learning 🙂
Leigh says
Terrible, terrible news that I have missed this by a month!! What a fantastic event for the whole family. I agree with the other reader, your photos drew me in and sold me hook, line and sinker!
Karen says
The Florida State Fair is at the end of February. 🙂
Joan says
Great review Karen! I was on a float with my daughter with her Girl Scout
Troop this year in the Children’s parade. Is your daughter in Scouts? Would love to have you on our float next year if we are given another opportunity. It is a totally different experience throwing the beads to the screaming crowds… Lots of fun:)
Karen says
Joan, She is not in scouts but we sure would love to join you on your float. How fun would it be to write about the parade from the other point of view?
I am still baffled that I never heard of the Gasparilla Parade before. What an incredible event. Thanks for the gazillions of beads around the house. 🙂
Kymri says
Your opening photo drew me right in – what a beautiful colorful shot!
Karen says
Oh thank you! I’m just starting to focus on my photography (pun intended), so that means a lot!