Tampa police reported zero arrests during the Kight Parade. Nonetheless, following the event, eight people were placed under arrest.
Sunday evening, the Tampa Police Department announced that after the event was done, officers made one misdemeanor arrest and seven DUI arrests.
“Another successful Knight Parade! We’re proud to report zero arrests during the parade,” officers said. “Thank you to everyone who came out, celebrated responsibly, and helped make it a safe and enjoyable evening for our community.”
Tampa’s annual Knight Parade took place on Feb. 14, drawing thousands to Ybor City for the nighttime illuminated parade. This year’s event spotlighted the city’s Hispanic heritage, a point of pride for many participants.
The illuminated procession began at 7 p.m., featuring floats covered in lights, elaborate costumes and pirate-themed pageantry. The Knight Parade also coincided with Valentine’s Day, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Especially on Valentine’s Day, many people who participated, like some of the women in the Ye Krewe of Sir Henry Morgan, say as much as they love being with their friends and family on nights like this, there is something extra special about sharing their love for Tampa.
For many, the celebration evoked comparisons to Louisiana’s famous carnival season.
“The Knight Parade is the closest thing we have to Mardi Gras. The energy down here is so much fun. Nothing makes Ybor more fun than a bunch of people dressed like pirates having a great time,” Dotti DiFiore with the Ye Krewe of Sir Henry Morgan said.
The City of Tampa’s only nighttime parade featured countless floats, festive costumes and even illuminated skeletons named after Captain Jack Sparrow.
10 Tampa Bay News reporter Annie Krall contributed to this news article.