Our Founders, Our Directors and Our History
Wishing you good times and long ashes!!!
2007/2008 Board of Directors
Spirit of Cigar City was formed in July of 2006. We are a group of business men and women from different walks of life and from
different locations, but with one belief. That belief is to promote the history of Tampa, Ybor City and their diverse heritages by
supporting charities and fostering civic pride.
Ybor City began when Don Gavino Gutierrez came to Tampa in search of guava trees.
Meanwhile, Vincente Martinez Ybor had left Cuba with his workers only to have his cigar factory in Key West burn down. Gutierrez told
his friend Ybor about Tampa, and the great possibilities that a port would bring. Ybor bought the 40 acres in 1885, and Ybor City
was born. Soon after that, many cigar factories were built and attracted immigrants to come from Cuba to work. They were followed
by Spanish, Italian, German, Jewish and many others. Within 3 short years Ybor City grew from 700 to 10,000 people. Following the
factories came restaurants, shops, coffee houses and social clubs. Ybor City continued to grow over the years, both in population
and in history.
Many of us in the krewe are decendents of these immigrants that came to Ybor long ago, and honor their history
and heritage by wearing costumes reminiscent of that time. The men wear the traditional guayaberas with hats, and the women dress
in the typical Flamenco gowns or peasant dresses of that time.
Remember, we are nostalgic, colorful and anything but boring!!
If you have any questions regarding krewe membership, sponsorship or any other general questions about the krewe, please contact our
President by clicking on the name above.