A jubilant return – ATRIUM MAGAZINE

Hundreds of thousands flooded Tampa streets as Gasparilla made its 2022 comeback

Feb. 4, 2022 | Photos by Anderson Bobo | Introduction by Hope Dean

Tampa isn’t Tampa when Gasparilla swings around.

The city’s skyscrapers remain the same, but people flock from streets over to states over — all to dress up in swashbuckling outfits, complete with three-cornered hats and beers in hand.

Tampa transforms into a parade of pirates each year in late January or early February for a tradition that’s lasted more than 100 years.

Except, in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the event. The hiatus made the festival’s 2022 return all the more anticipated. More than 300,000 celebrants flooded Bayshore Blvd. on Jan. 29. Even Batman showed up.

Shot on 35mm film, this photo story takes you along Tampa’s streets during one of its zaniest times of year.

Pirates flood the streets as early as 9 a.m.. Tampa has a law against carrying open containers, but today the rules of the sea take precedent.
Ships dock in the Hillsborough River as the city pays homage to the the legend of Spanish pirate José Gaspar.
Most partygoers are decked out in colorful beaded necklaces, the unofficial currency of Gasparilla. Three men are early to the Bay. The streets will soon be packed. The group waits in front of a house with a fence set up to keep the party off the homeowner’s property.
Two young lovers kiss amid a crowd of people. The party has picked up, which leaves little room for privacy on the street.
Batman has a front row seat to the party with a beer in hand and his buddies by his side. Instead of spending the day walking up and down Bayshore Blvd., the three men used lawn chairs to relax in the sun while enjoying the festivities.
The streets and houses on Bayshore Blvd. are nearly overflowing with attendees. The city takes on a red hue, the official color of Gasparilla.
An angry preacher uses the festival as an opportunity to tell those celebrating that they should “fear God.” He reminds people of their sins. He is one of many spread out along Bayshore Blvd.
Men use megaphones to speak back against the threatening preacher. They gain support in their theatrics from those around them.
The sun sets on three pirates as the parade nears its end. Those on the ship are idolized like gods as they throw the coveted beads to those below.