If you're moving to Tampa apartments for the first time and you have yet to experience Gasparilla, you are in for a treat! The Gasparilla Pirate Festival features a big parade and a variety of community events. This festival has been celebrated almost every year since its inception in 1904. And yes, if you are anywhere within a 50-mile radius of Tampa's center, you WILL get to experience this festival!
Gasparilla celebrates the legend of Jose Gaspar, also known as Gasparilla. This legend is a mythical Spanish pirate who apparently operated in Southwest Florida in the 1800s. If you're lucky enough to live in Tampa apartments located on or near Bayshore Boulevard, you just may catch a glimpse of the exciting parade each January from your patio or balcony!
Apartments in Tampa are close to all of the festivities that are included in Gasparilla. Held in late January and hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the City of Tampa, this experience is much more than just a parade. Although it is centrally focused around this main event, there are smaller festivities that go on throughout the month of January in the Tampa area. Some of these include a children's parade, a film festival, a music festival, a road race and the San'tYago Knight Parade in Ybor City.
While living in Tampa apartments during the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, it is very important to understand the culture and the atmosphere. Most all attendees will be donned in Pirate gear. Some go all out and include leather belts, boots, eye patches – even a parrot on the shoulder! Other may simply choose to wear a skull and crossbones accessory. No matter what you choose, you are bound to give in to the pirate culture at some point and start using phrases like "arghhs" and "shiver me timbers."
Gasparilla has become a mainstay in Tampa culture. With the close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, pirate ships can be seen in Tampa Bay during the celebrations. While a majority of these events are catered towards adults, there are tamer family-friendly events that you can bring the kiddos to. Tampa wants to make sure that no one misses out on any pirate fun!
If you just so happen to live in apartments in Tampa during late January, you will surely experience all of the sights and sounds of Gasparilla. People travel from all over the country to attend this festival, so it's no wonder that it is such a big deal in this city. You can even host your own Gasparilla party in your new apartment! Invite some friends over and enjoy some tasty pirate-themed fare in your living room, by the swimming pool or in the clubhouse before heading out to the main parade. There is no shortage of ideas when it comes to living the Gasparilla life in Tampa! Just ask around to some of the locals and they will surely provide you with plenty of inspiration on how to celebrate the festivities the "pirate way!"