What's that out there on the horizon? Ah, never fear, it's a flotilla of friendly pirates prepared to come ashore on Bayshore Boulevard.

The annual Gasparilla festivities take over Bayshore Boulevard — and much of South Tampa — this Saturday, Jan. 25. Let's get ready:

The basics

This year's Invasion, hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Parade of Pirates is booked for 2 to 6 p.m., featuring 140+ floats, bands, and merry pirate groups.

Key Tips

Make sure to make transportation plans — including rideshares and where you're meeting up with friends — before you start celebrating.
The parade starts at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard, runs along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street. Then it turns east on Brorein Street, north on Ashley Drive, and ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.
There's plenty of turkey legs and other casual eats to buy lining the parade route, but we recommend bringing your own water bottle to stay cool and hydrated in the crowds.

Get ready to grab gobs of beads. | Photo via @visittampabay

Pick up snacks

Keep the party fare local with a pirate-themed salted chocolate chip cookie tray from Bake'n Babes. And it's more than just a platter. Your order includes light-up pirate sword wands, pirate telescopes, eye patches, pirate wind-up toys, and a Jolly Roger flag.
Or opt for a tray of classic Tampa Cuban sandwiches or guava cheese pastries from La Segunda. There's breakfast and lunch covered.

Start a new tradition

No matter how long you've celebrated the pirate invasion, there's always an opportunity to add new traditions to the fleet.

Consider inviting friends to brunch before the parade — so you can see the rest of Tampa dining in their garb. Or host a post-parade Lightning watch party. It's a rematch against the Red Wings.

Are there any Gasparilla-related questions you want answered? Let us know.