Every year Tampa, Florida is invaded by a hoard of fun loving pirates. This invasion is called Gasparilla. The festivites start off with the landing of a pirate ship that demands the surrender of the city. The city then celebrates the invasion with a three hour long water front parade complete with pirates, floats and marching bands. The specators are hungry for the bootie that the pirates bring in vast quantities - strings of beads just like Marti Gras. The crowd yells for beads and the pirates toss a ton of beads into the crowd. A great time is had by all. The only rule that is inforced is no glass containers but cans and cups are OK. The street festival goes on late into the night. Click on the thumbnail to enlarge and press F11 on your keyboard to expand your screen.