Ybor City Things to Do Tips by sarahjayn

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is held every year in Ybor City to help raise funds for the Italian Club (L'Unione Italiana) and celebrate Italian culture (which, according to my Nana, is the only culture worth celebrating). There's lots of different components to Festa Italiana: there's a free geneology centre in the Italian Club, a film festival, food, kid's activities, etc. This year, they had an Italian Idol contest which was capped off by a performance by Bobby Rydell. I have to say, for a man wearing a blue velvet suit in Florida weather, he was pretty damn cool.
If you're in town when its held (Spring), it's worth the admission and the food cost, and you can help out the Italian Club. Check the website for dates, times, and prices.

Marti Steps at Ybor Square

Ybor Square was built back in 1886 as a cigar factory. On the wrought-iron steps of the factory, Jose Marti would give speeches about Cuban Independence. It's kind of neat to stand where he stood. If you are walking about Ybor, stop on by!

Directions: 9th Avenue and Avenue Republica de Cuba, across from the Don Vincente Inn

Parque Amigos de Marti, the last bit of Free Cuba

Located in Ybor City, this is the last piece of "free Cuba" left. Actually, just the name "Parque Amigos de Marti" belongs to the Cuban government - not the land, but there is soil from each of the provences of Cuba in the Park. It's a good place to go and reflect on the state of things in the world, and if you're American, its probably as close to Cuba as you're gonna get for a while.
The park is only open Monday - Friday until 3 p.m.

Directions: Parque Amigos de Marti is on 7th Avenue, directly across from Ybor Square.

Tropical Heatwave

This is local community-owned radio station WMNF 88.5's big concert / fundraiser. It's held every year in the Spring (rain or shine, as the tickets say) at El Circulo Cubano in Ybor City.
I am as old as Tropical Heatwave, and I've been to every single one. This year I almost didn't make it, but I squeezed in there at the last possible moment. It's a really good event - with the opprotunity to hear some maybe not-so-famous talent. My favourite Heatwave was in 2000 when I got to see Magadog and the Thrusters play. That was a good year.
Anyway, if you're in town, I'd give it a shake. It's in a nice venue, there's lots of different types of music, and your helping keep media independent.

Website: http://www.wmnf.org

Puerto Rican Festival and Parade

Way before you see the festival or the parade, you will hear it. The Puerto Rican festival is loud and busy, but I like it. It's not as organised as some of the other cultural events in Ybor, but it's still a lot of fun. The best part of the festival, in my opinion, is the music. There's free concerts nearly all day long. Check their website for information.

Website: http://www.puertoricoculturalparade.com/paradehistory.html

Guavaween

Guavaween is a big party held in Ybor City around Halloween. Over the years, it has stretched out to include daytime activities for children and families, but the heart of Guavaween is the Stumble Parade followed by adult festivities. During the Stumble Parade, Mama Guava (the mythic queen of Ybor) leads all kinds down an enjoyable path of self-destruction. There is a lot of drinking, a lot of overt sexuality, and a lot - lot - of random shouting and whistling.
Personally, I this isn't my favourite thing about Ybor, but almost everyone visiting the city seems to enjoy it. Check the website for schedules, ticket information, etc.

Phone: (813) 242-4828

Website: http://www.cc-events.org/gw/