Ybor City might be the most history-riddled of all the Tampa Bay neighborhoods. Established in the 1880’s, Ybor was a mecca of cigar manufacturing and home to the many Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants that put in the work at many of these defunct, but still-standing factories throughout the city.
Today, Ybor is the culmination of all the thought and labor put into the neighborhood by this diverse array of immigrants and their respective cultures. Because of this, many festivals occur throughout Ybor each year celebrating the eclectic heritage of this famous city’s past and present. Here are a few worth checking out.
Ybor City Cigar and Heritage Festival
The Cigar and Heritage Festival might be the most notable fest in Ybor, and rightfully so. Deemed “The Cigar Capital of the World”, Ybor was built on cigar manufacturing. Today, this festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage and the best in cigars today.
Enjoy some of the world’s finest cigars with top cigar manufacturers like Rocky Patel, Camacha, Arturo Fuente, and Cuesta Ray on site or take part in the Cigars for Soldiers Project where you can purchase cigars that will be shipped to our troops in Afghanistan.
Other attractions include a beer and wine garden, a “just for kids” zone with games and activities, and much more. The festival typically takes place in late November. For more information, visit the Heritage and Cigar Festival website here.
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana celebrates the rich history of Italian culture in Ybor City. Started in 1997, Festa Italiana is a four-day festival showcasing the best in live music, family activities, wine, and Italian restaurants throughout Tampa Bay.
Enjoy a great wine-tasting experience at the Wines of Italy event. Sample over 70 different Italian wines while tasting a variety of Italian antipasti and deserts. Or, watch the Bocce Ball Invitational Tournament and Italian Idol competition, which are great for the entire family.
Festa Italiana typically occurs in mid-April. For more information, visit the Festa Italiana website here.
WMNF Tropical Heatwave
Although probably not as rich as Ybor’s cigar-riddled past, the history of live music in Ybor is nonetheless a diverse and vibrant one. Showcasing the best in local musicians as well as national acts that haven’t gotten much attention in the area, Tropical Heatwave is an excellent time to discover new, great music live in the flesh.
The great thing about Heatwave is that it’s spread across nine stages all throughout venues and outdoor areas in Ybor City. This year, WMNF celebrates the 30th year of Tropical Heatwave with headliners Cracker and Carolina Chocolate Drops.
Tropical Heatwave goes down on May 14th this year and kicks off at 4:30 in the afternoon with Have Gun, Will Travel playing the first set of the fest on the Cuban Club Patio. Tickets are $30 in advance for adults and $12 for kids ages 12-20. For more information, visit the Heatwave website here.
Guavaween
Guavaween is Ybor’s annual Halloween party rife a parade and various concerts around the city. The all-day festival is divided into two parts; the Family Fun Fest from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m and the adult-oriented Night of Costumed Revelry for 21+ year olds featuring Mama Guava’s Stumble Parade, a costume contest, concerts, and more in the evening.
The Family Fun Fest is free and features live entertainment on three stages, pumpkin decorating for the kids, a safe trick-or-treat walk through Ybor, and a children’s costume parade and contest.
At night, things get crazy with Mama Guava’s Stumble Parade, the Features’ Costume Contest with a $2,000 prize, and outdoor concerts all throughout the city.
Guavaween typically occurs on the closest Saturday before or on Halloween. For more information, visit the Guavaween website here.
Gasparilla International Film Festival
Started in 2006, the Gasparilla International Film Festival (GIFF) showcases an eccentric variety of independent films and shorts throughout Downtown Tampa and Ybor City.
Enjoy one-of-a-kind films, parties throughout the city celebrating the art of the moving picture, and educational workshops for new and up-and-coming film makers.
GIFF usually occurs over a weekend in late March. For more information, visit the Gasparilla International Film Festival website here.
Of course, be sure to visit all the fantastic restaurants, unique shopping opportunities, and nightlife around the Ybor City. It's a great, history-filled neighborhood bringing the best of the cultural past and present into one area and a place that's hard to forget. Grab some friends, get out there, and have some fun!
