The festivities begin on the water. The José Gasparilla , a replica pirate ship (often a barge converted for the day), sails into Hillsborough Bay accompanied by hundreds of private boats. This "flotilla" descends upon the Tampa Convention Center. The "invasion" is theatrical but massive; the pirates demand the key to the city from the Mayor, who traditionally surrenders it, officially handing Tampa over to the pirates for the day.
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The legend of José Gasparilla, a Spanish pirate, dates back to the early 19th century. According to historical accounts, Gasparilla and his crew arrived in Tampa Bay on May 28, 1821, only to find that the U.S. Navy had already taken control of the area. The pirate supposedly fled, leaving behind a treasure that was never found. In 1904, the Tampa Bay Hotel and Yacht Club, a social organization, organized the first Gasparilla Pirate Festival to commemorate the event. The festival featured a mock invasion of Tampa, led by a pirate ship, and a parade of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters. The festivities begin on the water
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