Local legends about a Spanish pirate named José Gaspar, who some say used Florida’s Gaparilla Island as his secret base of operations, were the inspiration for Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival. This month-long event includes multiple parades and even a mock pirate invasion that ends with the mayor surrendering the city to the buccaneers. #LegendaryWednesday

📷 : Amy Syiek

#Gasparilla #JoseGaspar #Pirates #Tampa #Florida #Folklore

Pirates have invaded Tampa, Florida today as part of the city's annual Gasparilla celebration. This month-long event is named after the legendary Spanish pirate José Gaspar (who was likely invented as a marketing gimmick for a hotel on Florida's Gasparilla Island).

📷 : Amy Syiek

#Gasparilla #JoseGaspar #Pirates #Tampa #Florida #Folklore