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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A vibrant crowd descended on Ybor City Saturday evening, drawn to the much-anticipated Illuminated Knight Parade—an enduring celebration of Tampa’s deep-rooted Latin culture and community spirit.
The event, orchestrated by the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago, has enchanted attendees annually since 1974. The procession features dazzling floats, intricate costumes, a shower of beads, and lively music along East Seventh Avenue.
Organizers emphasize that this parade, now in its fifth decade, plays a crucial role in preserving an integral piece of Tampa’s cultural fabric.
“We’re deeply proud of Tampa’s rich history and are thrilled to honor the Latin heritage that defines Ybor City,” they shared.
Saturday night saw an estimated crowd of over 35,000 enthusiasts. Anticipating the throngs, law enforcement ensured safety with a robust presence along the parade route. Officers from the City of Tampa and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were stationed along East Seventh Avenue to oversee the festivities.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said safety remained the department’s top priority.
“We’re out here in full force, we’ll have hundreds of officers here to keep everybody safe, but the message is if you see something, say something so we can do something.”
The heightened security comes months after a deadly incident on the same avenue last November, when a driver crashed into a crowd after taking off from police during a high-speed chase. Four people were killed and several others were injured.
“That’s a tragedy we’ll never forget but we’re always planning and making adjustments to make the city the best it can be.”
Some parade-goers said the visible law enforcement presence helped them feel more at ease.
For others, the sense of safety helped create unforgettable moments during the Valentine’s Day weekend celebration, including one public proposal along the parade route.
Law enforcement also urged attendees to avoid impaired driving, advising those who planned to drink to use a designated driver or alternative transportation to avoid being arrested for DUI.