Tampa’s Gasparilla Festival Kicks Off with Pirate-Themed Parade and Airshow

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa‘s annual Gasparilla Festival, a century-old tradition celebrating the city’s pirate lore, kicked off Saturday with the Gasparilla Children’s Parade and a series of family-friendly events. The festivities, which began at noon on Jan. 18, 2025, drew hundreds of thousands to downtown Tampa’s streets and waterfront.

The day started with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo, offering free helmets and safety lessons for children. From noon to 4 p.m., spectators turned their eyes to the skies for the Gasparilla Air Invasion, featuring aerobatic teams, vintage military aircraft, and parachute demonstrations by The Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team.

At 2 p.m., the Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll showcased Tampa Bay’s youngest pirates, with children under 5 parading along Bayshore Boulevard in decorated wagons and strollers. The highlight of the day, the Children’s Gasparilla Parade, began at 4 p.m., featuring pirates, floats, and marching bands along a 2.5-mile route. The event, considered the largest children’s parade in the U.S., concluded with a nighttime airshow and a fireworks finale dubbed the “Piratechnic.”

“This is a tradition that brings the community together like no other,” said a spokesperson for Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the organization behind the festival. “It’s about celebrating our history and creating memories for families.”

The City of Tampa encouraged attendees to use alternative transportation, including free trolley services and bike parking, to navigate the crowded streets. Additional events, including the main Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Parade, are scheduled for Jan. 25, 2025.