guavaween >>> ybor city fl

Guavaween tampa's real treat
It's a wild and crazy Halloween through the streets of Ybor City.

Photos by: Jon Bardin & Z

Ybor City -- Sheep fucker! Sheep fucker coming through! Look out! If you ain't fucking a sheep get out the way! sheep fucker! Move over.

Ahh yes, the sights and sounds of Guavaween where seeing a midget dressed up as Bambam from the Flintstones and a guy giving it to an inflatable sheep is all part of the fun.

Guavaween is a latin style cross between Mardi Gras and Halloween held every October in historic Ybor City, just outside Tampa. Oh!, let me tell you, Guavaween is one hell of a party with plenty of fun for all ages. There are rides and amusments for little ones and plenty of alcohol and bands to appease any other demographic.

Among some of the bands featured this year were Cold, Fuel and Godsmack at the 98 Rock stage, Bangarang and Foghat appearing at the Thunder 103.5 oldies stage and the smooth stylings of hip hop and R&B featuring headliners Soul Decision and Destiny's Child.

The festivities start with the first bands opening up around 4pm and the headliners starting at 10pm. The party doesn't stop there.

Colorful costumes and beads abound in the packed historic streets of Ybor City. A note of caution however, if you don't like crowds (and I mean CROWDS) this might not be your event.

The streets become wall to wall rivers of people and the bathroom lines unbearable. The spirit is certainly there. This is the night where people throw caution to the wind and about everything else.

Women in cat suits, skimpy nurse outfits and even an occasional Britney Spears are some of the pleasant sights along with some of the random freaks carrying small uprooted trees, the occasional toga squad and the most obligatory flashers.

As is typical of all carnival type events there are the usual vendors and midway games. The food was ok at best and the games - well... we all know about those. Overall Guavaween is the place to be Halloween time and its a party not to be missed.

Come out next year and check it out for yourself!