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

2025 – 2026 Grand Krewe Parade Season

Be sure to lookout for the Grand Krewe at the following parades!

January 19, 2026

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 19, 2026
January 31, 2026

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 31, 2026
February 14, 2026

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 14, 2026
March 14, 2026

Tampa Bay Rough Riders St Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the signature events hosted by the non-profit organization dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt and his calvary. The parade is downtown in order to combine their celebration with the city dyeing the Hillsborough River green
Learn More at: Tampa Rough Riders

March 14, 2026

Our 2025-2026 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