So Tampa

100,000 attendees expected for the huge Knight Parade in Ybor City

February 7, 2024
• By Andrew Harlan

February 7, 2024
• By Andrew Harlan

One of the biggest events of the year in Tampa is back – and it’s a parade through one of the most historic spots in Florida. Get ready for the best night parade in the south. The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Knight Parade is an annual celebration of Tampa civic pride since 1974 — and the 2024 edition is set for February 10 at 7pm. More than 100,000 attendees are expected for this huge parade. Every February, costumed participants, illuminated floats, marching bands, and special guests parade through Ybor City, with thousands of spectators and families lining Seventh Avenue.

More than 100 organizations will participate in the Knight Parade, including local government officials and dignitaries and many of Tampa Bay’s krewes.

Big Storm Brewing is giving Gasparilla fans exclusive access to some of the best views and brews for the Sant’ Yago Knight Parade on Saturday night. The Ybor City brewery is selling a limited number of tickets on Big Storm’s balcony overlooking 7^th Avenue – putting you right in the heart of all the floats, marching bands, costumes, beads, and celebration.

a float designed to look like a castle — Photo via Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago

Big Storm is located at 1600 East 7^th Avenue #2 in Tampa. The brewery is on the second floor of Cento Ybor. The Sant’ Yago Knight Parade kicks off around 7:00pm. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Joining as the 2024 parade Grand Marshal will be “The Most Decorated World Champion” Wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. MOR-TV personality Steve Wilkos will also join as a special guest for the parade, along with the Krewe of Sant’ Yago’s newly proclaimed El Rey (King) Chris Cubero, and La Reina (Queen) Quinn Erickson.

Enjoy one of the largest night parades in the south

“We’re fired up to have Ric Flair, one of the most celebrated wrestlers of all time, join us as Grand Marshal for the Knight Parade,” said Jimmy Piloto, Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago member and 2024 Baron. “As a Tampa resident, Ric puts his irrepressible energy and enthusiasm to work in support of the community. As Grand Marshall, I’m sure he’ll get the parade crowd pumped up with his undeniable flair this year.”

As Grand Marshal, Flair will lead off the 2024 Knight Parade, which begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. A fleet of illuminated floats will roll down Seventh Avenue in historic Ybor City, accompanied by dozens of marching bands, local dignitaries, and thousands of participants as they throw colorful beads to an expected 100,000 spectators.

a huge parade in a downtown area with major floats — Photo via Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago

A family-friendly event with thousands of spectators

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’Yago Illuminated night parade is a family-friendly event. The streets of Channel District and Ybor City come ablaze when hundreds of floats masked with lights and loaded with bands of pirates fill the streets. This celebration was voted the largest and most beautiful night parade in the South and one of the top 10 parades in the Southeast by Suncoast Magazine.

The parade kicks off in a blaze of lights and sound, led by a dazzling array of illuminated floats, each a masterpiece of creativity and artistry. Vibrant colors and intricate designs adorn these majestic floats, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of Sant’ Yago.

Throughout the parade, beads, trinkets, and other colorful throws are joyously tossed to spectators, creating an atmosphere of shared excitement and camaraderie.

Those interested in attending can reserve a bleacher seat in advance online.