How to: Survive Gasparilla 2016

Rachel McKenna, Junior Staff Writer|January 26, 2016

The day begins with the Invasion of the Pirates which involves a parade of boats trolling through the bay as the main ship see in the photo leads.

Gasparilla is one of Tampa’s most popular events. Thousands of people from all over the state and the country attend the 4 mile long parade on January 30 that begins at 2:oo on Bay to Bay Boulevard, and continues until it reaches Cass Street and Ashley Drive. Many college kids who are Tampa natives come home to be a part of this celebration. Here are some tips to make the best of your Gasparilla:

Hydrate! Drink lots of water the night before and the day of the parade.
Credit: Karlee Nipper/Achona Online
Seniors, Karlee Nipper, Grace Toups, and Gabi Vivero smile because they are happy and hydrated!
Wear sunscreen and re-apply to prevent getting sunburn.
Know all of the plans for the day before leaving the house in the morning. Talk to your friends about all the specifics and logistics of the day.
Stay together! Tons of people attend Gasparilla every year, making it a highly trafficked event. With this many people, it is easy to get separated from the group so have a plan of what to do if this happens. Have one or two of your friend’s phone numbers written down on a piece of paper in the back of your phone, in a pocket, or in your shoe in case your phone dies, giving you a way to get in touch with your friends if you get separated.
Credit: Audrey Dunn (used with permission) Juniors, Audrey Dunn, Hope Rossi, and Olivia Porcaro, stuck together all through the day to avoid any danger they might have come across if they were alone.
Be prepared to be gone all day. Bring a jacket and have a fully charged phone when leaving the house in the morning.
Credit: Lindsay Calka (used with permission)
Junior, Hannah Menendez opted for a long sleeved outfit so she didn’t have to bring a jacket and wouldn’t be chilly.
Pick out your outfit before the morning of the parade, taking into account the weather and the fact that the majority of the day will be spent outside and walking.
Credit: Sophia Mastro (used with permission)
Junior, Sophia Mastro recalls how frazzled she was the morning of Gasparilla picking out her outfit. “Next year I will definitely decide what I am wearing in advance to avoid the morning of stress.”
Bring money and keep it in a secure location in order to not lose it.
If you are driving on Gasparilla, take note of the closed roads and plan a route accordingly. Drop a pin where your car is to make it easier to locate it at the end of the day.