Official Sponsors
2008
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST

Southwest Airlines
(title sponsor)

Budweiser
(presenting sponsor)

The Gasparilla Invasion
presented by
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

The legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, and his band of marauding buccaneers return to Tampa to reenact the historic pirate invasion, which began in 1904. At 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2008 the Jose Gasparilla will magically appear at the south end of Hillsborough Bay.  The ship is met by a multitude of pleasure crafts all intent on defending the City of Tampa.  They quickly see the error of their ways and join the Captain and his Krewe’s flotilla. The Gasparilla Flotilla then makes its way north across Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (the channel between Davis Island and Harbour Island).

The Gasparilla Flotilla, which is led by YMKG’s Jose Gasparilla and accompanied by thousands of crafts, is a spectacle like no other as it makes its way up Seddon Channel towards downtown Tampa. Amidst a volley of cannon fire, the City is defenseless as the Jose Gasparilla docks at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m. The Mayor surrenders the Key to the City of Tampa into the hands of the Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla at approximately 1:05 p.m.

Following another successful invasion of Tampa, the Pirates gather on Bayshore Boulevard for a victory parade, which begins at 2:00 p.m. at Bay to Bay and Bayshore.

The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch
presented by
FLAIR, Tampa Tribune’s Magazine for Living

Be among the first in the City to surrender to the pirates while encouraging the Mayor to relinquish the Key to the City!  The legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, and his band of marauding buccaneers will once again return to Tampa to reenact the pirate invasion of the City which began in 1904. The Tampa Convention Center will host the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch. This is your opportunity for reserved seating along the Tampa Convention Center’s Riverwalk.  The Jose Gasparilla will sail up Seddon Channel and dock "table side" at the Convention Center. 

This colorful event includes a buffet brunch, live entertainment and a reserved seat with the best view in Tampa of the historic Gasparilla Invasion of the pirates, presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates
presented by
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

The Captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and his band of marauding buccaneers, having captured the City of Tampa, share their wealth of beads, treasures and doubloons with the enthusiastic crowd along the 3.5 mile parade route.

The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates consists of over 130 units, including over 90 colorful floats, 14 marching bands, 50 participating Krewes and, of course, those infamous YMKG pirates.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival

The streets of downtown Tampa will again host the Pirate Fest street festival along Florida Avenue, from Kennedy Boulevard to Channelside Drive.  The merriment begins before the pirates invade the City and continues until long after the last pirate parades through the streets! 

The 2007 Pirate Fest Street Festival will feature stages of live entertainment, food, and the Gasparilla Midway – with games, rides and amusements for all ages.

When:	Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time:	10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Location:	Downtown Tampa, along Florida Ave. from Kennedy Blvd. to Channelside Dr.
Admission:	Free
Entertainment Schedules:	Gasparilla Invasion Stage Bayshore Boulevard & Platt Street in the Publix Supermarket parking lot presented by sponsored in part by The 2008 event featured the following acts; Navy Band Southeast Jazz Ensemble ** Special Appearance by Petty Officer Phil Stacey former American Idol Finalist** Rhythm Method SkyCoasters SkyCoasters   Gasparilla Pirate Fest Stage Florida Avenue & Brorein Street presented by sponsored in part by The 2008 event featured the following acts; Scilter Clenchfist Basic  Rock Outfit Highway to Hell FUEL   Gasparilla City Center Stage Florida Avenue & Kennedy Boulevard presented by & sponsored in part by &   The 2008 event featured the following acts; Meet & Greet with Vanessa Hauc & Jorge Bernal from Al Rojo Vivo con Maria Celeste DJ Speedy JR El Fantazma Eddie Marcos