Chasco Fiesta

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Carnival & ParadeNew Port Richey
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, paradesChasco Fiesta is unusual for how openly its
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Chasco Fiesta in New Port Richey

Chasco Fiesta is New Port Richey, Florida's oldest civic celebration, held each spring in downtown Sims Park since 1922. The nine-day event mixes live music, a street parade, a boat parade on the Pithlachascotee River, food vendors, and a dedicated Native American Day. Run today by a nonprofit board, it began as a pageant reenacting an early Spanish expedition and has since evolved into a broader community festival.

Its age and multi-day parade/music identity make it a substantial Tampa Bay community event.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Chasco Fiesta is unusual for how openly its origins are debated

02

The mystery stays covered

The 1922 pageant that started it reenacted a supposed Spanish expedition encounter with local Native Americans, built around a legend of a chief named Chasco and a princess promoted at the time as regional folklore

03

The city starts moving

Historians have since documented that key elements of that legend were invented by early twentieth century boosters rather than drawn from documented Tocobaga, Timucua, or Seminole tradition, a pattern common in Florida tourism-era pageantry

04

The water draws everyone in

Rather than quietly retire the name, organizers kept the festival running for over a century while adding a Native American Day with tribal participation, an attempt to reckon with the fabricated backstory while keeping a festival central to the city's identity

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival's central and most complicated tradition is its founding legend: a 1922 pageant portraying a Spanish expedition's encounter with a Native chief called Chasco

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a story since documented as largely invented by early boosters rather than rooted in actual Tocobaga

The sacred route

Living ritual

or Seminole history

The local code

Living ritual

Modern organizers have not erased that history but have added a Native American Day with real tribal dancers

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and educators

Tradition 6

Living ritual

alongside the community-built street parade and river boat parade that have run in some form since the 1920s and 1940s revival

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Driving/rideshare is typical.

What to wear

The festival runs in March, Central Florida spring weather that is typically warm by day (70s to low 80s Fahrenheit) and cool in the evening for the boat parade and night music. Casual...

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

New Port Richey

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map28.24 N, 82.72 WOpen in Google Maps

New Port Richey, FL

TransportDriving/rideshare is typical.
Stay areaNew Port Richey

Your Trip Starts Here

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How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to New Port Richey via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near New Port Richey, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearThe festival runs in March, Central Florida spring weather that is typically warm by day (70s to low 80s Fahrenheit) and cool in the evening for the boat parade and night music. Casual, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for a lot of standing and walking, with a light jacket or layer for evening events, work best.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Chasco Fiesta?

Chasco Fiesta is listed for Past edition: 28 March 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Chasco Fiesta take place?

The festival is listed in New Port Richey, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

New Port Richey, FL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLchascofiesta.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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