Whatever the truth might be, it’s a fact that in 1904 the city’s leaders held the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival, during which costumed performers rode into Tampa in a mock attack and “captured” the city. The show was a success, and today tens of thousands of revelers continue the tradition.
The festival begins on an ominous note as the fully rigged pirate vessel José Gasparilla appears at the sound end of Hillsborough Bay. A fleet of pleasure craft sail out to defend the city, but soon the buccaneers join the flotilla and escort the ship up the channel to the Tampa Convention Center, where the mayor surrenders without a fight and even invites the marauders to a brunch. With the keys to the city in hand, the ragtag pirate navy sets about its nefarious work, which includes a street festival with live music, the Parade of the Pirates, and a fireworks display.
Something completely different
Think anachronistic pirates are the height of festival weirdness? Not even close. Consider Frozen Dead Guy Days, which takes place in Nederland, Colo., every March. The moniker comes from one Grandpa Bredo, whose tale of cryogenic freezing and subsequent shenanigans is much too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say he won’t soon be forgotten, with activities such as coffin races and frozen T-shirt contests bringing thousands to town every year.
From the wonderful to the weird, this great land of ours offers a festival for every taste and budget. Some offer us a glimpse of a time gone by, others inspire, and some just elicit a laugh or two. MO
— Mark Cantrell is a freelance writer based in North Carolina. His last feature article for Military Officer was “The White Mouse,” March 2012.
APRIL 2012 MILITARY OFFICER 79
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