If you’re a Tampa Bay native, then you know that the holiday season doesn’t stop after New Years. No, the end of the holiday season is actually Gasparilla. You may not recognize that as the end point, but believe me; it is. So you’re thinking about going? Well here are some tips for your pirate adventure to come.

Eat something.

I know that this is something that everyone knows but I cannot stress this enough. So again, EAT SOMETHING. Also, not a sandwich or something light, get a meal in you. The cannons are gonna fire and if you aren’t properly nourished you will pass out on Bayshore Boulevard.

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings.

This isn’t even supposed to be funny. Just keep your damn eyes open. Anything and everything will happen down in the crowds.

Be smart.

When I said anything and everything can happen. I mean that. If you’re underage and you’ve never been, don’t think that this is your weekend to test your luck with the law. The police will be there on horseback and they’ll be all undercover in the crowd. Don’t become a statistic.

Stay with your squad.

This is just a no brainer, but if you aren’t from Tampa or even if you are it doesn’t matter if you lose your team only by the grace of God will you find them again in that abyss of a crowd. I interviewed a young lady by the name of Carly Demarest who is not a native and she told me her biggest fear “was being lost in that f#@*ing crowd” whenever she attends the parade.

Don't go anywhere near people who have cameras.

For some reason, amateur film makers feel the need to try and make these knock off “I’m Shmacked” videos of Gasparilla. If you’re pregaming the parade and they walk up on you. Tell them to kick rocks. All those people want to do is wreck your life.

Be discreet.

If you’re going to do something that the public would frown upon, like perhaps vomit? Find a place to go hide and get that done.

Get some beads.

If you walk away from the parade with little to no beads. You failed. Miserably.

Embrace your inner pirate.

If you don’t have some sort of pirate themed apparel or at least some article of pirate clothing, do yourself a favor and at least go for some sort of tropical attire. Hawaiian/puffy long sleeved shirts are a good second resort if you have no pirate stuff. If you don't have an inner pirate you have a week to find it. So get to it.

Enjoy yourself.

So yeah I know that with some of the first rules I made it seem like Gasparilla is terrifying. I can assure you it’s not, it is actually one of the greatest traditions that the city has to offer. So please have fun and from everyone in Tampa to you please enjoy our wonderful city of Tampa Bay. We’ll see you out there on the Bayshore.