At the apex of YMKG is the , who serves as the supreme commander of the invasion. He is assisted by a Purser , Scribes , and a Bailiff . Each year, a King Gasparilla (often a senior community leader) is crowned. The Krewe also selects an Empress (usually the daughter of a member) and a royal court of Maids and Duchesses who reign over the festival’s formal balls.
Since the late 20th century, the number of Krewes has exploded. No longer the domain of the elite few, the Krewe system has democratized to include a massive variety of groups.
Whether you catch a doubloon, dance in a night parade, or simply watch the pirate ship sail into the bay, you are witnessing the work of thousands of krewe members who spend all year preparing for one glorious, pirate-plundering weekend. gasparilla krewes
Established in 1927, this Krewe was formed by a group of civic-minded men to preserve the Latin heritage of Ybor City and Tampa. They are responsible for the Sant' Yago Illuminated Night Parade, a major evening event in the Gasparilla season. Their tradition involves elaborate, illuminated floats and a focus on the romance and chivalry of Spanish heritage.
A "Krewe" (pronounced "crew") is a social club or carnival organization that plans, funds, and executes the parades and balls associated with Mardi Gras-style celebrations. While most Americans associate krewes with New Orleans, Tampa’s Gasparilla has its own unique, pirate-flavored krewe system that is equally steeped in tradition, secrecy, and philanthropy. At the apex of YMKG is the ,
For the most current list of active krewes, parade dates, and membership information, visit the official Gasparilla Festival website or the individual krewe webpages.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is more than just a parade; it's a celebration of community, creativity, and Tampa's rich history. The Krews play a vital role in bringing this magic to life, and their dedication and enthusiasm are contagious. Whether you're a longtime Gasparilla fan or just visiting Tampa for the first time, the Krews invite you to join in the fun and experience the excitement of Gasparilla for yourself. The Krewe also selects an Empress (usually the
YMKG is the sole producer of the (the Saturday morning event). Their signature moment is the landing of the pirate ship at the Tampa Convention Center, where the Captain demands the key to the city from the Mayor of Tampa. After a mock skirmish (involving the "Mayor’s Navy"), the pirates are victorious, and the parade commences. YMKG members ride on elaborately themed floats, throwing beads, coins, and stuffed toys.
Founded in 1972, the Krewe of Sant’ Yago (Spanish for "St. James") was born from Tampa’s vibrant Ybor City Latin community. Unlike the traditional pirate theme of YMKG, Sant’ Yago embraces a "Roman Emperor" and Spanish motif, celebrating the city’s Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage. They produce the (the Saturday afternoon parade, formerly known as the "Night Parade" before moving to daytime). Sant’ Yago is famous for their "Krewe of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade," which features elaborate, illuminated floats and throws unique to their culture, such as decorated coconuts (highly prized collectors’ items).