Our Krewe

A Krewe with a Diverse Point of View

Local business owners Jessie Hill and Connie Hill formed the Krewe in 1992 in answer to the need for more diverse representation in Tampa’s annual Gasparilla celebration.

Grand Krewe was among the first Krewes in this area to have members of various ethnicities, nationalities and genders.

The Krewe took the name “Libertalia” from the 17th century buccaneers lead by French born Captain Misson who sailed around the west coast of Africa capturing slave ships and integrating the formerly enslaved with his krewe of French, English and Dutch sailors.

Eventually, they settled around the area of Madagascar, creating a utopian society with the motto of “For God and Liberty”. 

Our Krewe is based on the egalitarian group of freedom seekers. 
                  
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Our numbers that speak

We have numbers that push us to give in our best and make sure that we continue to leave our mark in the Tampa Bay Area. We are happy to be growing and helping more day by day.

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Active Members
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Funds awarded for scholarships
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Krewe Years in existence
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Beads Thrown

Krewe News

Keep up with the Grand Krewe de Libertalia

2026 – 2027 Grand Krewe Parade Season

Be sure to lookout for the Grand Krewe at the following parades! Please note this is a full list of the parade season, we will not participate in all parades below.

December 4, 2026

City of Tampa Santa Fest

he 2025 Santa Fest is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park followed by the annual Tampa Tree Lighting.

December 4, 2026
January 18, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

The Dr MLK Parade Foundation cordially invites you to participate in the Annual Martin Luther King Parade in Tampa, FL. Participating in the event is not only great fun but it also provides you with an excellent way to engage with our community. Learn More at: MLKJRPARADE.com

January 18, 2027
January 23, 2027

Children’s Gasparilla Parade

Festivities line the 1.5-mile parade route, beginning at Bay to Bay Blvd & Bayshore Blvd and stretching to Edison Ave. The best part? The event is alcohol-free, making it a family-friendly atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
Learn More at: Children’s Parade

January 23, 2027
January 30, 2027

Gasparilla YMKG Day Parade of Pirates

Gasparilla is Tampa’s signature event, celebrated annually since 1904 and hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city, culminating in a celebratory parade down Tampa’s famed Bayshore Boulevard. Learn More at: GasparillaPirateFest.com

January 30, 2027
February 13, 2027

Knights of Sant Yago Gasparilla Night Parade

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago have hosted the Illuminated Knight Parade every year since 1974. The parade is a celebration of Tampa’s long Latin heritage and civic pride, brightening the streets of Ybor City’s 7th Avenue for a special night of floats, costumes, beads, and merriment.
Learn More at: KreweSantYago.org

February 13, 2027
April 24, 2027

Desoto Grand Parade

With over 150 entries, the De Soto Grand Parade is one of the largest and oldest parades in the Southeastern United States. Over 100,000 people line the streets of Bradenton to view the illuminated floats and catch a glimpse of our new Hernando de Soto, Captain of the Crewe and their newly crowned Queen and Princess. Beads, coins, and other fun items are handed to the crowd throughout the night.
Learn More at: GRAND PARADE – Hernando de Soto Society

April 24, 2027

Our 2026-2027 Grand Krewe de Libertalia Members

Krewe Thank Yous

Thank you to our sponsors, Krewe family and partners who help make our Krewe Season Possible!

MD Luxury Transport | Luxury Sprinter Vans Transport Services a key sponsor to the Grand Krewe
Marie DeVaughn Luxury Transportationhttps://mdluxurytransport.com/
Thank you to our amazing Krewe DJ and his team who helps bring the party to the Krewe.
DJ BoucherKrewe Team
security, man, escalator
Thank you to our security team who helps keep us safe every parade season

Krewe SecurityKrewe Team