Guavaween

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Guavaween is a Halloween Celebration with Latin Flavor! The mystical event takes place on the last Saturday of the month of October in Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District. Long known and most recognized for its famous cigar heritage, Ybor City is now also documented as the home of Guavaween, an annual open street fest full of glitz and costumed revelry.

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Guavaween has grown increasingly popular and has become one of the busiest festivals in Ybor. The daylight hours are usually more family-oriented and in the past have included such activities as a costume contest, scavenger hunt, Safe Trick-or-treat at Centro Ybor, food and amusement rides. Around dusk the Mama Guava Stumble Parade, Guavaween's most popular attraction, makes it way down Seventh Avenue (which is the main street in Ybor). The parade, led by Mama Guava, features floats and costumed individuals who throw candy and beads to the spectators.

[edit] History

The story of how Guavaween began goes something like this...Long ago, Tampa Pioneer Gavino Guiterrez decided that Tampa was the perfect place to cultivate Guava commercially. To his dismay, the climate and rising land prices would keep him from his dream. Still, fate would play a role... a local newspaper columnist successfully planted the idea that if New York is the "Big Apple," then Tampa must be the "Big Guava." And that's how it all unraveled.

For twenty years, the mythical and ornately decorated, Mama Guava has led her loyal band of followers and revelers in the Mama Guava Stumble Parade. Though Mama Guava claims stake to taking the "bore" out of Ybor, her job quite frankly is an easy one, especially for this celebrated day named after her, Guavaween!

The celebration attracts over 100,000 people from all over the world and not only features the stumble parade, costume contest and live national and local concerts, but has become a full day of fun for folks of all ages. Guavaween Family FunFest fills the streets between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. offering exciting activities for the young and old alike. Activities include a scavenger hunt, safe trick-or-treating, live music, food, rides, contests and the Children's Costume Contest and Parade.

After 4:00 p.m., Mama Guava welcomes her adult revelers and the evening party gets under way. Of course, Historic Ybor City features fabulous shops, restaurants and clubs that attract the followers late into the night.

Guavaween is a party with a purpose that also acts as the primary fundraiser for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. Guavaween serves to preserve Tampa's oldest city. Be sure to visit the "Big Guava" and join Mama Guava in her holiday and take the "bore" out of Ybor!

According to a well known area artist and college professor of art, prior to Mama Guava and Guavaween, many (then) young artist who were sharing loft spaces in an old closed cigar factory; came up with the idea to throw a REALLY BIG Halloween Party and charge all who attended $1.00 at the door...(to help pay their rent). The party was a HUGE success and the artist continued the party year after year and the crowds grew and grew as word spread. Somehow from the artist's original Halloween Parties.... "Guavaween" as well as the first " Artist and Writers Ball" evolved. The first "Artist and Writers Ball was given at the Cuban Club in their courtyard. It seems to me that the Tampa Tribune was the sponsor of that affair which featured many bands and entertainers. It was a giant success as people from all walks of life (from politians, city government, etc. to an entertaining assortment of artist, writers, weirdos and freaks) all joined together, sharing tables, eating, drinking and dancing the night away! It was by far the most unusual and best party I have ever attended to this day and I think most everyone else who attended might agree!

[edit] What to Expect

It is quite common for both adults and children to attend Guavaween in costume. Things tend to become more risqué during the evening hours so plan accordingly if Ybor's sultry side is something you do or do not wish to experience. Parking can be extremely difficult in Ybor during Guavaween so plan to arrive early if you want a parking space and expect to pay for it. Shuttle buses run from Florida State Fairgrounds, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Port Authority, and University of South Florida Sun Dome.