Holiday to Festival:  Ybor's Changing of the Seasons

Our beloved Ybor City has two great seasons "Holiday Season" and "Festival Season."  Holiday Season runs from the opening of the Latin social season demarcated by the Chamber's Gala in September to the Outback Bowl Parade and Pep Rally on New Year's Eve. 

What's in-between are some of my favorite holiday celebrations such as Oktoberfest, Guavaween, Cigar Heritage and the holiday decorations on La Setima.  Holiday Season ends with all the great New Year's Eve parties at our historic social clubs.  "M" and I would be at the Italian Club this New Year's Eve, however, we will be returning from a post-Christmas visit with our eldest on the West Coast.

Festival Season begins in Tampa with the Alcalde Ybor Naval Invasion, the traditional pre-cursor to Gasparilla at the end of January, and from there Ybor City has a parade, street party or festival to celebrate just about anything you can imagine.  The Knight Parade, one of the top illuminated parades in the South, transverses Ybor City with a myriad of floats, pirates and a treasure trove of beads and booty for all.

Next, is our traditional verbena or "day of rest" - yes, we even celebrate resting in Ybor.  Now in its 64^th year, Fiesta Day honors the Spanish, Cuban and Italian immigrants who settled Ybor City at the turn of the 19^th Century.  In March are two great celebrations, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Beer Fest, featuring Florida's top craft beers (no explanation needed).

Festival Season ends in April and features two of the Historic District's "must attend" events - Ybor Aficionado Days celebrating the manufacture of the first cigar April 13, 1886 and Festa Italiana.  Aficionado Days is our most up-scale event and Festa lets everyone "be Italian for a day."  Come to Ybor for the holidays, a festival, or any day of the week.  We are your National Historic Landmark District - the heart and soul of Tampa.  - Tom Keating.