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Jeff Zito

Rock Legends That Would Fit In Perfectly At Gasparilla

Author Zito

It’s almost time to batten the hatches and brave the storm of the Gasparilla festivities of 2024. Every year, thousands of Gasparillians bust out their favorite silks to throw down in the streets of Tampa Bay to celebrate the legendary Joe Gaspar and his crew of pirates. Speaking of pirates, I put together a list of 5 legendary rock bands that would fit in perfectly at Gasparilla.

5 Legendary rock bands that would fit in at Gasparilla:

    1. Guns N’ Roses: Slash has always been known for his legendary top hat and signature flow. On top of that the jewelry, leather, and weathered tees, Slash could easily trade in his top hat for a pirate hat. Guns N Roses could waltz into the streets of Tampa Bay and blend right in during Gasparilla.
    2. ZZ Top: I mean, you knew ZZ Top would be here, right? They got the hats, beards and are one eye patch away from being the perfect band for Gasparilla. Within no time, Bill Gibbons and Dusty Hill could fly the Jolly Roger flag sailing the high seas.
    3. AC/DC: Two words. Angus. Young. Normally dressed as a school boy, Angus Young could easily swap out his signature schoolboy look for ancient pirate garb.
    4. Lynyrd Skynyrd: These Florida natives are born with pirate blood coursing through their veins. Even Though he’s Native American, Rickey Medlocke could easily be confused for Captain Bligh.
    5. Aerosmith: Aerosmith is a no brainer. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry … they easily look like pirates already. The band could roll up in a pirate ship and fit right in.

History of Gasparilla

For over 100 years, the people of Tampa have been celebrating the life of the legendary Joe Gaspar and his crew of pirates. The famed Spanish Pirate, Joe Gaspar, invaded the coast of Florida hundreds of years ago. Gaspar raided many ships on his voyages, earning himself a fortune in booty. With defeat on the horizon, Gaspar did what any pirate would do. He tied himself to an anchor chain and jumped into the sea where the legend of Gaspar was born.

Back in 1904 the longest standing Tampa Bay tradition began. The first Gasparilla Parade was held on horseback. The tradition has stood tall through monumental historical times like WWII and continued to add in new festivities throughout the decades. Gasparilla is free for the community and there are plenty of activities for all ages.

For more information and a rundown for this years Gasparilla events, visit the website.

Originally from the Midwest and moved down to Tampa Bay after college. When Daniel is not working on Beasley Content, you can find him fishing or skateboarding. Daniel enjoys writing about local restaurants across the Tampa Bay area, Florida lottery stories, and concert reviews/photos.

Tampa Stores Where You Can Find The Perfect Pirate Costume For Gasparilla

Arrgghhh matey’s! Gasparilla is right around the corner and before you know it, you’ll be scrambling to make the perfect pirate costume. We’re here to make your search easy by listing the best 10 stores in Tampa where you can find the perfect Gasparilla gear! The invasion of pirates will take place on January 25. Here’s more info on this year’s parade.

Whether you’re looking for some authentic pirate costumes or just need some accessories, head to these stores for all your Gaspy needs! 10 Tampa Bay (WTSP) made a great list with some good starter places. But if you don’t want to rely on Amazon or Etsy to get your stuff on time, there are plenty of local places to try! It’s still too early to tell what the weather will be like on the day of the Children’s and adult parades. It’s normally around the mid-60s to high 70s, so you may need to dress warm!

History of the Gasparilla Parade

Tampa has been celebrating Gasparilla since 1904. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city, with a parade down Tampa’s famous Bayshore Blvd. What 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. Read more of the history here.

The legend of Gasparilla

Gasparilla is inspired by true events. Jose Gaspar, or Jose Gasparilla was a famous Spanish pirate who earned a fortune by capturing ships and treasure. In 1821 the US Navy launched a disguised attack on Jose’s ship. Admitting defeat, he tied himself to an anchor and jumped into the ocean, never seen again.

[Source: 10 Tampa Bay]

Here’s our list of 10 stores in Tampa where you can find the perfect pirate costume:

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