Gasparilla!

[ericadawn16]

So, last week was the regular Gasparilla parade and last night was the Night Parade and I didn't get to go to any of it this year, but that's okay because I saw the President, lol. Plus, the rain last weekend would not have been good with my cold. However, I did get to watch on tv this year and the beginning story was exceptionally CUTE this year!

The pirates have learned how to use technology...

like GPS to find treasure...


meeting ladies on ArrgHarmony...


keeping in touch with Farcebook...


and even using Twitter to announce their intentions...


Mayor Pam Iorio
"Well, at least this year, they didn't leave sword marks on my door."


She looked so drenched during the parade...


My old stompin' grounds...

Comments

[crystalgee.livejournal.com]

cute!

[flyingpigs-live.livejournal.com]

ahhh put it behind a cut please!! it's taking over my friends page ;)

I love the one with the pirates threatening to invade, as well as that first pic. what is gasparilla??

[ericadawn16.livejournal.com]

Gasparilla is an event they have had every year since 1904 where pirate krewes attack Tampa until the Navy and/or Coast Guard surrenders and the mayor gives over the key to the city. This leads to a huge two to four hour parade with floats and bead throwing.

It's supposed to commemorate the life and exploits of Jose Gaspar, a pirate who sailed up and down the area. Other newer krewes also go by the name of Bonny/Read and other pirates and organizations, including schools. I'm eligible as an alumnus to ride on my college's float, but being the Spartans, they're dressed as such and NOT as pirates. Most in the parade, and quite a few watching, are dressed as pirates and yelling, Arggh! and firing their toy pistols.

The thing is...Jose Gaspar never existed. They just wanted something similar to Mardi Gras and thought pirates were really cool so they made him up, but it's 106 years old so that doesn't really matter anymore.

At this point, it's a whole monthlong festival of activities, including an art festival, children's parade, marathon and night parade. At the end, they give the key back to the mayor and all is well until next year.

[pktaxwench.livejournal.com]

Had I been healthy enough this January, I'd have been there. I was apprached by the Black Pearl Crewe of Gasparilla last June to be Sparrow on their float. At the time, I was pre-cancer and everything else. I hated having to send them an email in December that said "sorry guys, not this year." It made me very sad.

I right now still couldn't be Sparrow if I wanted too. Can't bind the 'girls down yet until healed.

[bassair.livejournal.com]

Pleaseplease could you put this behind a cut? It's making my flist almost unreadable -.-