50 State Challenge - FLORIDA

In an older post I talked about a bar I went to in Tampa that had the greatest Happy Hour ever. Today I am going to talk about the best holiday ever in Tampa. In late January or early February, the city of Tampa gathers on Bayshore Blvd and watches as Pirates invade their city. To the people of Tampa, Gasparilla is just one big party where people are dressed as pirates and throw beads from floats. More info about the history of Gasparilla can be found here

Gasparilla 2013 already happened but that doesn't mean you shouldn't start planning Gasparilla 2014 now. According to the Gasparilla website next years is January 25th.  I suggest that my readers attend a Gasparilla at least once before you guys kick the bucket. So, from a seasoned pro of all things Gasparilla I'll give you rookies some pointers.

TIPS ON A SUCCESSFUL GASPARILLA

• Gasparilla is on a Saturday so don't go out drinking the night before
• Hit up a liquor store a week early. 
• The early bird catches the worm or whatever that stupid saying is. Basically wake you ass up at 730-8ish in the morning and start drinking.

My roommate and I at 7am doing jello shots! 

• Have fun with this and dress up! Also wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot. 

• Make sure you have some form of ID on you so that someone can help your drunk ass get home. 
• Buy yourself a camelback and fill it with booze! You will need you hands free to catch beads 

• Leave early for the parade. I guarantee you will stop randomly at peoples houses and drink with them. 
• You don't have to show your boobies to get beads, but the men on the floats highly encourage it. 
• Cops are cool on Gasparilla. They let you drink on the street but if you are passed out, throwing up or peeing in public you may get thrown in the drunk tank.

• Do not drive! To many drunks on the road 
• HAVE A GREAT FUCKING TIME!!