TAMPA, Fla. — After the invasion on Hillsborough Bay, pirates took control of the streets of downtown Tampa on Saturday.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor kicked off the Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Bayshore Boulevard as hundreds of pirates lined the streets looking to collect a bounty full of beads.
“I love the parade, everybody throwing the beads when we're out there, it's so much fun," Taylor Amato said, who was in attendance. "You're just like, yeah come on, come on everybody.”
The hysterical Bert Kreshire is a Tampa Bay area native. He returned home to be the Grand Marshall, riding in a parade that included more than a hundred floats.
“We've been doing this for 22 years and it's great to be in the Gasparilla parade and hang out with a lot of people and have a lot of fun,” Captain Dave said.
Many people add on to their float every year.
Attendees said it's common to take months to prepare, and some have been preparing since October for Gasparilla season. They also said it's not just about showing up, but you've also got to look the part.
“I would explain it as retro pirate mixed with steampunk," said attendee Rob Goldberg. "I've built it up over the last couple of years.”
The Pirate Party attracts people from all over.
“I just moved to New York a few months ago and I had to come back to Gasparilla because it is the best party," Goldberg said.
Gasparilla may just be for a season, but many said they make friendships worth a lifetime.