Gasparilla, Children’s Parade in Tampa Canceled Over COVID-19 Concerns

Tampa's signature Gasparilla Parade of Pirates and the Children’s Gasparilla parade have been canceled due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) and EventFest made the announcement Tuesday morning.

"We hoped to safely and effectively hold Children's Gasparilla presented by Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay and Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest, but believe it is our community's best interest to refrain from hosting festivities this year," said Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Captain Peter Lackman.

The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates was scheduled to take place on April 17 but likely won’t happen until Jan. 29 of next year. The children’s parade will be the week before.

The closing event, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Outbound Voyage, is now scheduled to take place on Feb. 26, 2022.

Tickets for the 2021 Children's Gasparilla and Gasparilla Pirate Fest are eligible for a refund, or ticket purchasers can elect to roll over a credit on their account to 2022 festivities. For more information, click here.