For anyone who is about to experience their first Gasparilla, congratulations on being so lucky. Although you’re probably excited to start the best day of your life, making sure you have everything needed is key. Being unprepared for Gasparilla may be the worst thing to ever happen to you. Yes, even worse than bombing your first accounting exam of the semester. We take this day very seriously here at UT! Before leaving campus double check that you have everything you will need for the whole day. Here’s a list of my essentials:
1. A Good Group of Friends
Thousands of people travel to Tampa each year for this day. With that being said, it is going to be complete chaos! Having a big group of friends that you promise to stay with for the day will ensure you a safe experience. The last thing you want is to be left alone. Being harassed by drunken pirates because your “friends” decided to ditch you can be extremely terrifying.Â
2. A Plan
“Winging it” is not going to fly on Gasparilla. Wait to leave campus until you know exactly where you are going. Trying to wander the neighborhoods surrounding campus looking for parties is neither safe nor smart. Tampa police will be driving around all day looking for underage college students breaking the rules. Therefore, get the party address BEFORE leaving and walk straight there. Make sure your plan eventually includes going to the parade on Bayshore Boulevard, because that is by far the coolest part of Gasparilla. What other time will you be able to see pirate ships five minutes from UT?Â
3. A Fully Charged Phone
Have you ever been trying to get ahold of a friend who you haven’t heard from in hours and they won’t answer their phone? You immediately go into panic mode, then eventually you get a hold of them and they say their phone has been dead. One simple way to prevent your friends from thinking a pirate kidnapped you is to charge your phone before you go out! Your phone is your most used form of communication, so be smart and charge that iPhone!Â
4. A Cute Pirate Outfit
Who doesn’t like Halloween in January? Gasparilla is the perfect excuse to wear your tacky pirate shirt and not be judged. Bandanas, black eye patches and pirate hats are simple accessories that can make you look very festive! Don’t spend too much money on these things, because by the end of the day you probably will have lost that cool pirate sword you insisted on bringing out.
5. Food and Water
With a combination of the Florida heat, alcohol and no sleep, staying hydrated is the most important thing for your body. I know your main concern may not be stocking up on non alcoholic beverages, however you can do serious damage to yourself if you don’t drink water. Although you may think drinking water will keep you sober, it will only keep you from visiting Tampa General Hospital and missing the parade. If you don’t plan on stopping by campus during the day, stop at any local food joint you can find. Order some pizza with your friends or grab a sandwich at Jimmy John’s. Anything with bread is great for your body while drinking.Â
6. Morals
Morals are the most important thing to bring along with you. Even though the hype of Gasparilla has been building up inside of you for months, this is no excuse to make choices you will later regret. Ladies, act like ladies and keep your shirts on! In Florida flashing for beads is against the law. Not only will this get you a free ride in a cop car, but it will also scare all the families who are trying to enjoy the day. Walking down the street carrying alcohol is also not allowed, just like any other day. Although this is your favorite holiday ever, it is not a day to forget all rules and do whatever you want. Be smart and be safe!Â
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