gasparilla

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Gasparilla is the name of a barrier island in southwest Florida and the name of a major festival held every winter in Tampa, Florida.

Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is approximately 100 miles from the city of Tampa, Florida – home of the Gasparilla Festival. “According to Florida folklore, Gasparilla Island gets its name from the legendary pirate captain José Gaspar, who had his base on the island and purportedly hid his fabulous treasure there.” (Wikipedia)

Little Gasparilla Island is a smaller barrier island located just north of Gasparilla Island. The two islands are separated by Gasparilla Pass. You can’t drive to Little Gasparilla Island. The only way to get there is by ferry from Placida Harbor or private boat.

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Gasparilla Events

Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a series of annual events spanning multiple weekends from mid-January through early March The festival celebrates the legend of José Gaspar.

Events include:

The Children’s Extravaganza, an alcohol-free event celebrating the return of the Gasparilla Season. The event includes a preschooler’s stroll, a children’s parade, and a “Piratechnic Extravaganza.” The next Children’s Extravaganza is January 21, 2017 along Bayshore Boulevard in downtown Tampa.

The Pirate Festival is the main event. It includes a pre-invasion celebration, the Invasion, and the Parade of Pirates. The next Pirate Festival is January 28, 2017.

Outbound Voyage is when Tampa’s favorite pirates sail back out to sea. The next Outbound Voyage is March 4, 2017.

The Music Festival is an annual community-funded festival celebrating the arts in the Tampa, Florida area. It showcases diverse local acts alongside nationally recognized headliners. The next music festival is March 11-12, 2017 in downtown Tampa.

Festival of the Arts is “held annually during the first weekend in March in downtown Tampa. It is a true showcase with featured art that includes ceramic, digital, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. The esteemed event also features the works of local young artists, a weekend full of live entertainment and a children’s art activity area.” The next Festival of the Arts is March 4-5, 2017 in Tampa.

International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Tampa Bay, Florida. The next film festival is March 2-9, 2017.

Gasparilla Island Events

World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament. The next tournament is May 25-26, 2017.

Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament is a fishing tournament for children ages 15 and under. The next event is June 10, 2017.

To many joyful beach experiences!

— Lisa Dworkin