TAMPA, Fla. — The Krewe of Europa is bringing the “krewe experience” to the world and in this year’s Gasparilla, some parts of the world are celebrating the longtime Tampa tradition and festival.

The Krewe of Europa parades around the world and its members also come from around the world—all for a great cause.

It is the first and only US based parade krewe to be a fully voting member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities.

When the European contingent arrived at Tampa International Airport this week, they received a pirates’ welcome--Aright.

The first time Gasparilla participants come from beyond Florida-which makes the krewe of Europa unlike any other.

"We have nice parties in Europe and now we hope we have a nice party here in Tampa," said Marion Hirche, the VP of the Federation of European Carnival Cities.

Craig Bachler is one of the founders of Krewe of Europa.

He said the krewe also travels to other parades: as far north as Alaska for Fourth of July, a Halloween Carnival in Belgium, parades in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, among some of the destinations.

The idea for the krewe was born in Tampa Bay five years ago.

Their mission is to take the krewe experience to the world.

"We're kind of a cultural exchange organization in a sense because each carnival in Europe is very different,” Bachler said. “So, we've gone over there. We've learned a lot about the different carnivals.”

The week before Gasparilla, Bachler, and his wife another founding member were putting the finishing touches on their float.

It might not be as impressive as others on the route, but they say they are getting a better one in the future.

And what the float lacks in size, the krewe makes up for it with their diversity and what they will bring to the parade.

"We have members from across the U.S.,” said Craig. “We have members in Europe...people from Ukraine, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Aruba."

There is also their charitable cause.

Krewe of Europa is raising money to help the organization Stop Soldier Suicide.

"It's a small contribution to something that's a major problem in our country,” said Bachler. “You know veterans come back, they've served, they've given it all for our country and now it's time we try to help them."

The krewe brings other cultures together and parade around the world.

"Come here have a good time see what Tampa's all about when they go home like that old shampoo commercial, I told two friends, they told two friends...they'll be talking about Tampa,” he said. “The buzz will be about Tampa, and I guarantee you that next year...we'll be getting thousands of requests to come out here to the parades."

While they are inspiring those around the world to visit Florida.

The group is trying to raise up to $250,000 for the veterans charity this year.

The krewe itself has their stateside members and about 26 members coming in from Europe.

Plus, they have a 25-member band from Aruba, also part of the Federation of European Carnival Cities.

Happening Friday from 7:00PM to 11:00PM, A pre-pirate parade party in Tampa at Four Green Fields 802 N 12th St. Tampa, FL - Florida 33602. Entertainment includes:

• Stephanie Clements, Curator of the Real Pirates Museum in Salem Mass. A pirate historian that is talking about the history of pirating, several famous pirates and the legend of Gasparilla’s Jose Gaspar.
• Raven Child, a Germany fire twirling steampunk act. The show will thrill all with their music, fire twirling and a few surprises.
• Massive Brass Band, all the way from Aruba a marching band that will also be performing in the Gasparilla parade.