TAMPA, Fla — Ahoy mates! The 2023 Gasparilla Pirate Fest was one to never forget! 🏴☠️
Bayshore Boulevard was busy and filled with pirates during this year's Gasparilla Parade of Pirates.
Organizers estimated that at least 300,000 people attend Gasparilla every year, making it the third-largest parade across the nation.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor surrendered the key to the city to the captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. From there on, pirates celebrated with a victory parade.
Here's how it went down:
8:00 p.m. - And that's going to do it for this year's Gasparilla Pirate Fest!
6:12 p.m. - Although the parade may be wrapping up, there are still stages at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and MacDill Park that will feature live entertainment after the parade until 8 p.m.
5:46 p.m. - People are continuing to celebrate the festivities as the parade nears its conclusion.
3:38 p.m. - Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and this year's Grand Marshal Ric Flair are spotted at the parade!
3:12 p.m. - Pirates are walking the streets in downtown Tampa!
2:30 p.m. - The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates makes its way down Bayshore Boulevard.
2:28 p.m. - Woooooooo! Ric Flair was spotted in the crowd!
2:09 p.m. - It's almost time for the parade to start!
Mayor Jane Castor surrenders the key: Castor surrendered the key to the city of Tampa to the captain of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.
1:03 p.m. - Jose Gasparilla's ship has docked at the Tampa Convention Center.
12:19 p.m. - Jose Gasparilla's ship and hundreds more invade Hillsborough Bay.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Gasparilla Invasion: The day will kick off with the Gasparilla Flotilla, led by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla aboard the José Gasparilla II ship, invading the city.
10:30 a.m. - Crowds are starting to arrive along Bayshore Boulevard.
7:12 a.m. - Sun is starting to shine and officials are beginning to set up.