Your Anna Maria Island vacation is all set: you’ve chosen from among the best Bradenton Beach vacation rentals, noted your must-see attractions, and packed the suntan lotion, towels, and everything else you’ll need to get the most from your visit.
If you’re looking for Anna Maria Island events—particularly Bradenton events—for the end of April, consider attending the annual Grand DeSoto Parade.
Now in its 83rd year, the Grand DeSoto Parade draws large crowds, and rightfully so: it is steeped in local and national history and is one of the most anticipated Bradenton upcoming events of the year.
From luxurious Bradenton Beach rentals to spectacular Bradenton events like the Parade, there are many reasons to come to vacation on Anna Maria Island in April.
About The DeSoto Grand Parade
As the final event of the Florida Heritage Festival that celebrates the history of Citrus County, The DeSoto Grand Parade is massively popular. It has drawn as many as 200,000 spectators, making it one of the most esteemed and notable Parades in the South and the second-largest Parade in Florida.
The Parade, consisting of floats, marching and school bands, decorated vehicles, hometown heroes, people in costumes, and so much more (a total of 150 floats and entries), traverses 2.4 miles from its start at Manatee High School to its end in Downtown Bradenton. Along the way, volunteers hand out beads, coins, and other items to exuberant Parade watchers.
As this event marks the historical march of Conquistador Hernando DeSoto’s 600 soldiers on this island in the early 1500s as the Spanish explorer laid claim to the area, a float is dedicated to “Hernando DeSoto,” Captain of Crewe, and a Queen and Princess. These individuals are newly crowned each year, with the individual representing DeSoto (called “The Hern”) donning the helmet and attire of the famed explorer. Be sure to wave to “DeSoto” and his elected Queen and Princess, also adorned accordingly, as the float passes by your spot!
About The DeSoto Historical Society
The DeSoto Historical Society hosts the DeSoto Grand Parade and the Festival, a local nonprofit of about 225 volunteers (referred to as Conquistadors), to celebrate Hernando DeSoto’s landing on Anna Maria Island.
The Society was formed in 1939 to celebrate DeSoto and Manatee County’s Spanish-American heritage and culture. That same year, the Festival and Parade were born. These vents are made possible each year through various fund-raising events conducted by the tireless efforts of The DeSoto Historical Society’s volunteers. These events include fashion shows, live music, food fests, and a children’s Parade.
Plan Your Stay
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Parade Details
The DeSoto Grand Parade is typically held on a Saturday in late April. The staging area is at the Manatee High School, where the Parade kicks off.
A 5K, in its 17th year leading off the big event, is run before the Parade begins. The run starts about a half-hour or so before the Parade begins.
Getting to the area early and setting up your chairs is highly suggested, as the streets line up quickly with spectators. Manatee Avenue is closed off by 5 p.m. to host the Parade, which begins around 6:30 – 7 p.m.
The Parade route ends between First Street and 9th Street.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental
Since some Bradenton vacation rentals are located not far from Manatee Avenue, you might be lucky enough to be able to walk to the area where you can observe the Parade. If you have to drive from any vacation rentals Bradenton, FL, remember the mantra is: ARRIVE EARLY! Traffic will be heavy and parking hard to find.
