The beloved Tampa Bay festival that draws hundreds of thousands of people every year, has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

Many people have been asking, Is Gasparilla happening this year?  The festival which was originally postponed to April 2021, is now being canceled.

“Since 1904, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) has invaded the shores of Tampa Bay and captured the key to the city. Only a handful of times did our daring pirate invaders decide to spare the city from invasion due to unprecedented world events," in a statement posted on Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla website.  "This year, our pirates are making a similar decision to remain offshore and table their invasion plans until the seas calm. Out of an abundance of caution, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) and EventFest has announced the cancellation of Tampa's signature Gasparilla Parades planned for April 10 and April 17. The decision resulted from an ongoing dialogue between event organizers, city leaders, and healthcare experts.”

While the Gasparilla festival has been canceled, it will be likely that smaller pirate themed events will take place.  Be sure to stay up to date by going to 813area.com/events/ to get the latest on events in Tampa.