For more than 120 years, Tampa has flown the pirate flag high thanks to the legendary Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Founded in 1904 and inspired by the lore of the infamous pirate José Gaspar, the Krewe has kept the city fired up with parades, pageantry, and pure Gasparilla spirit.
Every year, Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Children’s Gasparilla transform Bayshore Boulevard into a sea of floats, krewes, bands, and costumed pirates celebrating the Krewe’s “invasion” of Tampa. Nearly half a million revelers line the streets, tossing beads, cheering on the spectacle, and keeping Tampa’s biggest tradition alive.
Gasparilla isn’t just about the parades. Through the Inter-Krewe Council, members take that same energy off the parade route and into the community—visiting schools, hospitals, and assisted living centers while supporting local charities across Tampa Bay. From cultural enrichment to charitable outreach, Gasparilla continues to give back, proving that the tradition is more than a party—it’s part of Tampa’s heart and soul.
Off the shores of Florida, the legend of buccaneering sparked a tradition unlike any other. What began as a daring invasion and a forceful command to surrender the key to the city has evolved into today’s Gasparilla—parades, pirates, and an annual takeover that welcomes hundreds of thousands of revelers to join the krewe.
The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl is more than a game—it’s a full-on celebration. From Selection Day to the moment one team raises the iconic Treasure Trophy, we bring the spirit of Gasparilla to life with a bowl week packed with energy, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. For student-athletes, fans, and partners, it’s a can’t-miss clash that lights up Tampa Bay—and makes the holiday season even brighter for the community we call home.
A – Affordable entertainment for the whole family
R – Rally as a community
R – Reward student-athlete success with a first-class experience
G – Give back around the holidays
H – Highlight Tampa Bay
