Gasparilla Hacks For 2023
This Saturday’s annual Gasparilla parade is a long-standing celebration that spans most of Bayshore Bouloevard and goes on for 4.5 miles. Hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists gather along the parade route, dressed in their fanciest pirate garb, swilling their favorite adult beverages and trying like hell to catch shiny plastic necklaces. But how did it all start? Legend has it that Jose Gaspar and his band of rapscallions attempted to take the town of Tampa by force back in 1904. After a huge battle, they were eventually driven back and the city was saved. Now, over a hundred years later, crowds gather along the shallow water’s edge in Tampa Bay to dress up, act a little crazy and celebrate another year in our magical city.
There are, however, ways to “do” and not “do” Gasparilla. First, you’re gonna need a schedule and a list of all of the streets that will be closed and when. Feel free to print this out or screenshot it, you’ll absolutely need it. Second, feel free to show up looking a little trashy. You’ll understand when you get there. Third, there will be some very elaborate costumes there, so prepare to take lots of pics. Fourth porta-potties are a highly valued commodity, so when you see one, use it. Fifth, please try to keep beads from falling into the water. It’s bad for sea life and must be cleaned up after every Gasparilla parade. Sixth, it’s a long parade route. If you are planning on walking the route, stay hydrated and remember…it’s almost 5 miles long. Make sure you’re up to the task. Finally, large bags, weapons, glass bottles and other potentially dangerous items are not permitted. If you have any further questions, make sure you clear them up before showing up with prohibited items.
The Gasparilla Parade is a truly monstrous event and it takes some planning. If you plan to attend, make sure you know how to get there and get back home safely. Remember that you’ll also be getting hungry, so try to bring something healthy in case you need it. And once again, when you see a portable toilet, use it! You’ll thank me for that one later. The weather is always a bit unpredictable. One year is cold and wet, while the next is hot and dry. Try to stay up to the minute on the forecast and be ready for whatever. Have a great time and I’ll see you along the parade route! Source: WFLA.com
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