Gasparilla is widely known throughout Tampa Bay by pirates, boats, parades and beads but do you know the history behind all the hype? I found some information on the history of the festival so you can enjoy the city-wide celebration while being a little more educated about the roots of it all!
[Times file photo]
The name "Gasparilla" came about from the pirate Jose Gaspar, who was known as the "Last of the Buccaneers". He was known for terrorizing the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th century. Gaspar served as Lieutenant in the Royal Spanish Navy until 1783 when he and his fellow mutineers set sail for Florida after seizing command of the Spanish War. Following his departure from the navy, he lived his life as an outlaw of the sea. There is not much known about him other than the fact that he was well-educated, possessed courtly manners and had all the appearances of a fine gentleman. However, he kept a diary that told of his activities during his twelve years as a pirate, in which he captured and burning 36 ships. Upon seizing the ships, Gaspar would tell the men that they would either join his ranks or walk the plank and be sent to their demise. In terms of the women on the captured ships, he would decide case by case, depending on his mood.
Gaspar continued to ravish Florida's waters until 1821. In that year, he and his crew decided to retire and live in all their forture and luxary but when they saw a merchant ship sailing Northwesterly towards Orleans, they couldn't resist one last capture. Unbeknownst to them, the merchant ship was really a disguised United States Navy Warship. Just as Gaspar's ship was defeated by the US Navy, Gaspar took a chain, wrapped it around his waist and neck and jumped into the water, brandishing his sword. This was Gaspar's attempt for one more act of definance before his demise.
Gasparilla, the extravaganza, came about from the legend that when Jose Gaspars died, he left behind a fortune in buried treasure somewhere along the Florida coast. The first festival started in 1904 and social and civic leaders adopted it as a city wide celebration that would be celebrated by thousands for years to come.
So, in going to your Gasparilla celebrations, whether it be the kids parade, day parade or night parade, I hope you'll enjoy your celebrations just a little bit more knowing where the celebration really orginated from!
As always, contact Breezin' for any entertainment needs!
3711 Swann, Tampa FL 33609
(813)348-4998 or (941) 726-1286
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