Can someone explain Gasparilla, and why we should care about it? (Tampa: houses, school)

[aquarius4]

I just don't get it. What is so fun about this event?

The parade is a just bunch of floats that ALL look pretty much the same, with people dressed up in pretty much the same pirate costumes, throwing out pretty much the same beads.

Before and after the parade, what is there to do? You walk up and down Bayshore looking at, well, houses, people, beads/trash on the floor, etc. ZERO entertainment vehicles.

I could see how this would be a fun event IF it were a weekend-long street festival with food booths, and vendors selling cool stuff, and music (bands playing on various stages), and cultural activities specific to the Tampa area. Even the parade could be made more interesting by the addition of non-pirate themed floats/bands/attractions etc.

In addition to all this, it (the Gasparilla festival) takes place in the middle of the day, which makes it even more boring.

But really, it's just a boring, dumb parade. Why do people here find this so amusing?

[Haai]

It's fun for the same reason that Mardi Gras is fun. Who cares if it's just people "in the same costumes" and "same floats?" It's another way to have fun and take your mind off your troubles. If you don't like it, don't attend it. That simple. No need to troll.

[ferret111]

You clearly don't like it. That doesn't mean it's dumb or anything. It's just part of Tampa lore and has been going on for over a hundred years. It's also a series of events, with the children's parade, the day night parade, and the Gasparilla 5K.

[aquarius4]

Mardi Gras in New Orleans has incredible gourmet food, top-class musicians/bands performing, comedy/drama events, magicians, jugglers, singing/dancing, fireworks, pageants, balls, etc.
Also, Mardi Gras is observed all over the world as part of the pre-Lenten celebration.

I don't think you can compare silly Gasparilla (2 "parades" + a 5K???) to Mardi Gras.

I am not "trolling." I am simply saying that Gasparilla could be A LOT BETTER than it currently is. Tampa could really make a world-class event of it. But in its current form, it's silly and boring.

I actually don't find any of the things Tampa people complain about to be offensive (the drinking, the public intoxication, the vandalism, etc.). That all goes with having a great party.

What I actually find offensive is that the city of Tampa spends thousands of my tax dollars on what is basically a boring, second-rate pirate-themed parade (I know that YMKG funds parts of it, and the city funds parts of it).

[TampaKaren]

One simple google/bing search results in this: The History of Gasparilla Pirate Fest - Tampa, Florida

[Kevin from Tampa]

There is a lot more to Gasparilla than just the invasion. It's a near month long series of events. Children's parade, Ybor night parade, art festival, 5k run, etc. There's a street festival after the pirate invasion, FYI.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival - Tampa, Florida

If you're in a krewe or know someone in one, there are all sorts of balls and parties to attend.

But the bottom line is, it's a part of Tampa history, it's unique to this area, and it's a reason to go out, watch a parade, have a few beers, and hang out. I don't go much anymore (I used to live two blocks off Bayshore when I was younger and without kids, and would have a party of my front porch every year), but I don't need much of an excuse to go have fun. Gasparilla gives me a reason. I guess you could say just about anything sucks if you want, but I tend to look at the positive side of things.

If you're not from here, it probably doesn't mean much. They used to have it on a weekday and all the kids got out of school for it.

If you don't like it, don't pay any mind to it. I didn't feel like going this year, and it didn't affect my day by not going. Why are you so negative about it?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by aquarius4

I just don't get it. What is so fun about this event?

The parade is a just bunch of floats that ALL look pretty much the same, with people dressed up in pretty much the same pirate costumes, throwing out pretty much the same beads.

Before and after the parade, what is there to do? You walk up and down Bayshore looking at, well, houses, people, beads/trash on the floor, etc. ZERO entertainment vehicles.

I could see how this would be a fun event IF it were a weekend-long street festival with food booths, and vendors selling cool stuff, and music (bands playing on various stages), and cultural activities specific to the Tampa area. Even the parade could be made more interesting by the addition of non-pirate themed floats/bands/attractions etc.

In addition to all this, it (the Gasparilla festival) takes place in the middle of the day, which makes it even more boring.

But really, it's just a boring, dumb parade. Why do people here find this so amusing?

So? No one cares if you like it or not.

[ozlo]

Originally Posted by aquarius4

I just don't get it. What is so fun about this event?

Let me take a stab at this.
It's Tampa Bay's version of "culture" and just another excuse for the many alcoholics in the area to get trashed.
The childrens parade, 5K, etc. are nice but they are more or less afterthoughts thrown in to legitimize a fake festival.

[TB Fla]

Talk about Buzz kills. If you can't have fun at Gasparilla than YOU are the boring one. Gasparilla is just a silly parade, but then again, all parades are silly, and that is why they are so fun.

[bentlebee]

I have never been there and didn't grow up here BUT I know area have their own traditions and I think your thread name is dis respectful for people who love it and were raised with it...

If you don't like it or don't understand it than don't spoil the fun for others and stay away and your thread is actually more to stir a negative fibe....

I grew up with Carnaval and we have lots of fun and even in a small Country as Holland it is only celebrated in the South...my parents came from the North and only once celebrated it and didn't like it, but they never spoiled it for us and took us to the parade.

If you (OP) don't have the kid in you, I understand it is hard to understand that others can and will have fun.