Winter is for Pirates

Winter in Tampa means:


Arrgh! Pirates, Matey!

Over the next few weeks, Tampa will celebrate the spirit of the pirate with various parades and festivals. Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest started in 1904. It has changed and grown over the years from a one day holiday into a season all it's own.


As a girl, on the edge of the street watching the parade go by. I was in awe of the pirates that had invaded our city. They fired their pistols and threw out their beads, and coins in joyful celebration. For that one day of the year, I wanted to be a pirate!


Now, that I'm an adult, I'm honored to get to be a part of Tampa's celebration. As a member of an all female pirate Krewe, I get to join in on the fun. As a krewe, we work all year giving our time and raise funds for local charities. It all leads up to this. Gasparilla is here and it's time to spread cheer. This Saturday, the season kicks off with the Children's parade. I'll lace up my corset and put on my boots, and my girls will join me on the float. We'll dance, party, throw beads, and just have a damn good time.

And, maybe, we'll inspire some little girl watching the parade go by to want to carry on the tradition. Maybe she'll grow up to be a Pirate Girl like me!


♪Yo ho yo ho, a pirate life for me♪


Thanks to Gasparillapiratefest.com for providing the historic pictures. Check out the site for more info on all the festivities, and if you're planning a trip to Florida in the Winter, come to Tampa and live the Pirate life.

Mama's Losin' It

4 comments:

  1. Shiver me timbers, I like yer site! Ahem..actually, I stumbled over here from Mama's. Great pics! Looks like a blast...does Johnny Depp drop by?!?

    If you have time later, I'd love to hear what you think about my entry, "10 Reasons I Could Never Be Friends with a Snowman." Thanks, and great post!

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  2. That looks like so much fun!

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  3. OMG that looks like sooooooo much fun! Stopping by from Mama Kats :)

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  4. How fun! Stopping by from Mama Kat's.

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Thanks for stopping by! sing me a song.