Guavaween, Ybor City's annual Latin-themed Halloween celebration, returns Saturday with a few changes. The 27th edition of the event will still feature a costume contest and host "Mama Guava," but here's what's new:
- No wet zone. That means no more drinking alcohol in the streets.
- No fence. Ybor's thoroughfares will be open as usual.
- No children's activities. This year's theme, "The Many Shades of Ybor," is for adults only, according to this Tampa Tribune report. Another dead giveaway is the time of the festivities: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- No Mama Guava Stumble. Official word is that the popular, often R-rated parade just got too expensive, according to this column in the Tampa Bay Times.
- Indoor music festival. Organizers had to replace the parade with something. More than 30 local and national bands will perform at venues around Ybor City. The concerts are open to ages 18 and up, with a wristband. Admission is $20 in advance and $30 on Saturday. To buy wristbands, click here.
For details on Guavaween, call (813) 241-8838 or go to ybor.org.
