TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Thousands packed the streets of Ybor City Saturday for one of Tampa’s biggest traditions, the Illuminated Knight parade.

With security top of mind due to the large crowds’ police were out to keep the decades-old tradition safe for attendees, whether it’s their first time or their twentieth time.

“This is our 21st year, so 21 years of being here,” founder member of F-Troop Tampa Ron Arkay said on board their float.

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Illuminated Knight Parade is a tradition that dates back decades.

‘It’s about enhancing the history, the culture of the Latin community here in Ybor City.  Our crew took this over in 1974 from the board Chamber of Commerce, and it’s just grown from there,” the 51st baron Jerry Zielinski said.

Beads flew from floats like colorful comets and krewe members, dressed in their signature attire, waved to the crowd soaking in every moment of this long-standing tradition.

For many this parade is a chance to relive old memories and make new ones.

“We all have beads to give everybody, and we’re really fond of this. A great parade, the crew in Santiago puts on,” Arkay said.

While the focus was on fun, safety was a priority too. After the 2023 Halloween mass shooting in Ybor and the Jan. 1st terror attack in New Orleans, law enforcement made sure the only thing people had to worry about was catching the best beads.

“One of our sponsors is the city of Tampa, and they have enabled their police department to go full force here. So, our feeling is that Ybor City is the safest place in Tampa tonight,” Zielinski said.