Guavaween officials held a press conference early Thursday morning announcing details on the new, different version of this annual Ybor City Halloween celebration.
Guavaween 2012 will return in new and improved form on Saturday, October 27 with added features including a district-wide music festival, the famous Guavaween costume contest, and no wet-zoning, fences, or parade for the time being.
Known as the Mama Guava Stumble Parade, this 26-year Guavaween tradition will not return to the festivities this year due to high city costs and an adverse effect on many local business throughout Ybor. But, the absence of this famed parade isn't quite set in stone yet. If Guavaween officials can acquire co-sponsorship from the City of Tampa, the Mama Guava Stumble Parade may still be a prospect for Guavaween 2012.
This year's theme will be "Guavaween 2012: The Many Shades of Ybor" and feature a brand new format. Instead of the parade as the main attraction, Guavaween will now host a music festival that will take place throughout seven to eight indoor venues in Ybor City. The music festival will feature an eclectic assortment of over 20 local and national acts guests can enjoy with the purchase of a Guavaween armband.
There will be no gate charge for Guavaween this year, meaning guests can enter and exit the typically gated-off 7th Avenue area free of charge. You will need an armband to enter any of the official Guavaween indoor venues, though. Armbands will be $20 in advance and $30 on the day of Guavaween 2012.
Guavaween 2012 will kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 and last until 2 a.m. the following morning. In addition, the costume contest will take place at 9 p.m. on the Centro Ybor Stage in the heart of Ybor.
For more information including updates, participating venues, talent line-up, and ticket purchase options, head over to www.ybor.org.
