The Evolution of Gasparilla

January 19, 2017

Photo Credit: Julia Prince/Achona Online The parade route starts on Bayshore and Bay to Bay and goes all the way to Curtis Hixon Park.

Each year over 300,000 people attend the Gasparilla parade in Tampa, Florida. The small “holiday” for Tampa locals celebrates Jose Gaspar. There are about a month of events from parades to music festival bringing Tampa together as a community. Gasparilla has evolved over time, growing each year.

Photo Credit: Claire Obeck (used with permission) Junior Claire Obeck said “Every year my family goes to the Tampa Yacht Club before the parade. It is a tradition we have had since I was younger. I always love going and seeing all of my friends.”

1904: First parade in May took place on horseback

1911: First “invasion” took place with boats

1914-1918: the parade is canceled during World War I.

1919: After the war, it is moved from May to February. Gasparilla and Florida State Fair emerged as one for decades.

1939-1945: Gasparilla is cancelled during World War II

1946: Gasparilla begins again after the War

1947: First Children’s Parade

1978: First Gasparilla Distance Classic

1988: Parade moved to the first Saturday of February in order to allow for more tourists to attend.

Photo Credit: Rachel McKenna (Achona Online)
Academy class of 1982 graduate, Roslyn McKenna, comes back to Tampa in college to attend Gasparilla.

1990: No parade

The Gasparilla Krewe and the city of Tampa tried to plan moving Gasparilla up to be the same week as Super Bowl XXV in 1991, being played in Tampa. The NFL tried to convince the Krewe to admit African-American members before the next festival in 1990. The Krewe refused and canceled Gasparilla in 1990.

1991: Krewe of Gasparilla first allows African-American members

2005: The parade is moved to the last saturday of January

2012: Academy joins the Children’s Gasparilla Parade with their own float

Senior Zoe Cuva said “I loved going on the float in eighth grade. It was a fun way to hang out as a grade, and I had never been in the parade before. I am looking forward to going on the float this year as a senior.”

Photo Credit: Riley Rubio (Achona Online)

2013: First Gasparilla Music Festival

Senior Rachel Mckenna said “My cousins and I go to Gasparilla Music Festival together every year. It is always lots of fun, and a great bonding experience. I am excited to see Cage the Elephant perform this year.”