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Must Haves

Must Haves

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Arrrgggg you ready for it? Hold off on those New Year’s resolutions, Tampa’s favorite holiday is right around the corner (and it involves a lot of rum). The Gasparilla invasion takes place on the last Saturday of January with festivities kicking off at 9am and lasting all day long. The children’s parade will take place the weekend before the adult parade. The invasion is where the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla, emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay followed by hundreds of boats. That happens from 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Whether it’s your first time, or you want to go bigger than last year, here are the X essentials you’ll need to survive Gasparilla.   

What is Gasparilla? 

Gasparilla is an annual tradition that has been celebrated in Tampa since 1904. It is the third biggest parade in the country. According to the Gasparilla website, it originally started as a spring festival for the “May Day” celebration. Tampa Tribune Society Editor Mary Louise Dodge was helping plan the multiple-day event when George Hardee suggested including the legend of Gasparilla. Then the Tampa Tribune began publishing letters from the Ye Mystic Krewe, detailing the invasion. On the day of the May-Day celebration, 50 Krewe members rode their horses throughout the city. 

What to expect at Gasparilla 

Gasparilla has grown significantly over the years. Last year had the biggest attendance ever and more than 300,000 people are expected to be at the parade. The day kicks off with hundreds of vessels invading the city of Tampa to reclaim its key from the Mayor. With the key in hand, the pirates celebrate with a 4.5-mile-long parade down Bayshore Blvd. The event is free, but you can purchase bleachers and VIP seats to get some breathing room from the crowd. 

Two Gasparilla essentials we left off our list but feel the need to mention are to wear comfy shoes and sunscreen! This is an all-day event, and your feet are going to be killing you by the end of the day if you’re wearing heeled boots. The other essential you’ll need to survive Gasparilla is sunscreen. Even if the forecast calls for cooler weather, you’ll still be out in the Florida sun all day long. 

Here are the 9 essentials you and your Krewe will need to survive Gasparilla.

  • Booze, Beads, Booty, Bayshore - Tampa Gasparilla - Bleached Shirt

    This shirt is perfect for those who don’t want to go all out in full pirate gear. Booze, beads, booty, and Bayshore. What more could you need? Pair this with some leather pants and a bandana and you’re good to go! 

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  • Yo Ho Pirate Inspired Bow Headband

    If you’re looking for a simple accessory to go with your outfit, this is the cutest headband! The best part is you don’t have to wear it once a year, it would also be a great accessory for Bucs games. 

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  • Jewelry Fashion Multi-Level Pirate Skull Tassel Charm Necklace

    If you don’t have time to shop through Tampa’s boutiques looking for some pirate-themed accessories, Amazon is the place to go. This statement necklace and earrings will bring together any pirate-themed outfit.

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  • 7Pcs Womens Pirate Costume Cosplay Renaissance Blouse Tops Corset Waist Belt Pirate Skirt Pirate Cosplay Outfit

    There are so many cute pirate costumes to choose from on Amazon. We like this one the most because it doesn’t look like it would be that hot to wear all day long, and it already comes with the accessories to complete the look! 

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  • Spooktacular Creations Adult Men Pirate Costume

    This costume has everything a guy would need to become a pirate, even down to the shoe covers. You can re-wear this for Halloween or even at Bucs games! 

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  • Lingway Toys Girls Deluxe Pirate Costume,Buccaneer Princess Dress for Kids

    Dress up your little matey in this adorable pirate costume that comes with a hat, eye patch, earrings, and even gold! This is like a second Halloween in Tampa, so go all out with their costume.

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  • Apple AirTag

    There’s always one friend who gets too drunk on rum and loses their belongings. Don’t be that friend. Attach an AirTag to your phone, keys, and wallet (the essentials) to avoid any stress of lost items!

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  • Mini Portable Charger for iPhone

    Gasparilla is an all-day outdoor event, so it might be tough to find places to charge your phone. We like these portable chargers because they attach right to your phone, and you don’t have to worry about carrying a big bank around. These are specifically made for iPhones, but you can also find USB-C chargers for Androids and the iPhone 15. 

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  • Sahara Sailor Water Bottles

    There are no outside food or alcoholic beverages allowed on the parade route, but you can bring in your own water bottle as long as it’s not glass. This water bottle from Amazon will remind you to stay hydrated in between the shots of rum.

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