Gasparilla 2023: MÜV the Plank
By Brittiany Ralls January 12, 2023
Gasparilla 2023 was the best parade yet. Why is that, you may be thinking? Because of the MÜV x Verano Gasparilla 2023 takeover.
MÜV x Verano at Gasparilla 2023
The MÜV x Verano krewe was anchored at Bayshore Boulevard and W. Swann Avenue, singing sea shanties and passing Verano booty to all!
You can spot us by our flag flying high, and the sound of our crew singing sea shanties. You won't want to miss it! We'll have MÜV and Verano booty to all who come by, from koozies to bandanas, treasures for all, but that's not all - we're providing a place for keeping ye and yer krewe connected. We'll be the lifesaver of the party, so come on by, and make sure to bring yer crew!
Charge Yer Devices
The MÜV krewe knows that a pirate's life can be tough on the open seas, especially when you're constantly searchin' for that elusive treasure. But one thing that's even worse than a stormy sea is a dead phone battery! That's why we provided a haven for all ye scallywags at Gasparilla 2023. Our island at Bayshore Boulevard and W Swann Avenue was an oasis for that inevitable red bar.
Photo With Yer Crew
Seasoned pirates and landlubbers new to the life had a (cannon) ball with the photo ops at our oasis. If the fun and sun wasn't enough to make all of your land-bound friends envious of your seafaring adventure, the rolling trays, koozies, and free eighth coins were!
Gasparilla Giveaways
The MÜV krewe held far more treasure in store for Gasparilla 2023. Florida patients had the chance to increase their booty by entering two different giveaways. But what kind of treasure ye ask? Well, let's just say the winner will be back out on the open seas in no time.
Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2023 Tickets - Leading up to this favored event, one lucky buccaneer won two tickets to our VIP experience.
MÜV x Verano Gasparilla Giveaway - Exclusive to those who visited at Swann and Bayshore, the Gasparilla Giveaway winners received an $800 Carnival Cruise gift card, a Stündenglass Gravity Infuser, or a Gasparilla-themed bong.
Make sure you follow us on Instagram to stay in-the-know about the next treasure giveaway!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gasparilla
Going to Gasparilla doesn't have to feel like walking the plank - take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about this Tampa event:
What is Gasparilla?
Gasparilla is an annual pirate festival that takes place in Tampa, Florida, and has been celebrated since 1904, but its roots go back much further. The legend of Jose Gaspar tells the tale of “the last buccaneer” and dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Jose Gaspar was born an aristocrat and served in the Spanish navy, making him an educated and well-to-do gentleman of his time. It's believed Gaspar terrorized the Gulf Coast with his crew of loyal pirates - these buccaneers were said to roam the seas in search of treasure and fame. After Gaspar’s death, many believed there were buried treasures all along the coast from the pirates, though no treasure has been found.
Tampa's "most wanted" organization, The Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a social organization of esteemed businesses and local community leaders has been a staple in the city and started the Gasparilla Festival. This regal krewe bravely commemorates our beloved Tampa with an annual mock pirate invasion. In 1954 they truly solidified their place in local history by commissioning the Jose Gasparilla II vessel. The vessel was the only fully rigged pirate ship in operation then, and it’s still operational today.
Today, revelers play up this romanticized version of piracy with pirate ships sailing into Tampa Bay, and pirate crews running amuck through the streets during the Gasparilla festival and even fire the cannons! Though it may not be a historically accurate account, today’s Gasparilla is full of excitement and fun. It features a parade, live music, food and drink, and even the attempted capture of the Key to the City of Tampa. The highlight of the festival, though, is the "invasion" of Tampa by the Krewe of Gasparilla, who arrive by boat and "take over" the city in a mock pirate invasion.
When is Gasparilla 2023?
Gasparilla is hosted in January of each year! The parade is scheduled on Saturday, often the final Saturday of the month, for maximum impact and attendance.
What Time Does Gasparilla Start?
The entire Gasparilla event starts at 9 AM and ends at 8 PM on January 28th, 2023. However, there are many events throughout the day. Located along the Tampa Riverwalk will be staged with musicians and radio shows entertainment starting at 9 AM and continuing until 8 PM, with a break from 3:30 PM till 5 PM for the parade. Then, at 11:30 AM the Gasparilla Invasion happens, ending at 1 PM. After that, the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates happens from 2 PM to 6 PM, with the parade running along the entirety of Bayshore Boulevard.
See You Next Year!
To everyone that celebrated Gasparilla this year, thank you! And to those that missed out on the fun, make sure you plan your visit next January for a day of treasure hunting and fun.
Content Writer for MÜV and Zen Leaf. Britt began exploring cannabis as a recreational user attempting to treat her migraines and depression. Finding success, she began to realize the many benefits of cannabis for a multitude of ailments. Her new-found knowledge prompted a move to Colorado, where she was able to medically treat her son with ADHD and aid her family in becoming healthier and happier. Realizing her passion for cannabis, she turned it into a career. Joining the industry as Medtender and moving into management gave Britt the knowledge needed to become a writer for a local cannabis culture magazine in Oklahoma and a leading voice in cannabis compliance.
