Prior to the Start of Children's Gasparilla Parade
The Children's Gasparilla Parade, widely considered the largest children's event in the country, is set to take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 4:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. Mayor Jane Castor and Captain Truett Gardner of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla will be available for interviews to discuss the event and the City's plans to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The parade begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard and proceeds north along Bayshore Boulevard before ending at Edison Avenue. The parade features pirates, floats, marching bands, and more.
Continuing the airshow fun during twilight hours is the Gasparilla Nighttime Air Invasion, scheduled from 6:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. The performances take flight at dusk and include a precision parachute jump from The Chuters Parachute Demonstration Team and Ghostwriter Airshows' signature fireworks flight!
The highlight of the event is the "Piratechnic" firework finale, scheduled from 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. This annual "battle" recreates the imaginary battle between the pirates of YMKG and the City of Tampa, which first began in 1904. Alas, the pirates remain undefeated to this day. This spectacular colorful finale sets the scene for the energetic Gasparilla Pirate Fest scheduled for the following Saturday.
The Ashley Children’s Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay and Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest are marketed, managed, and produced annually by EventFest, Inc.