Buccaneer Commission Records

The Buccaneer Days celebration began as a swimsuit pageant in 1917 called Splash Days. A bathing beauty contest was set to kick off the summer swimming season was held specifically on North Beach. Several prizes were awarded for various categories in swimwear and contestants such as “most patriotic.” In 1938 the city decided to move towards a citywide celebration with an exciting pirate theme and changed the festival to what is now known as Buccaneer Days.

The celebration was a three-day event in early June that was formed to signify the beginning of summertime much like Splash Days had done. Modeled after the Charro Days celebration in Brownsville, this new event sought to liven the city through its historical connection with pirates. The myth is that after receiving a presidential pardon in 1821 the French pirate and privateer Jean Lafitte moved to the Corpus Christi area. While there is evidence of him visiting the area and establishing a base there is very little evidence for his residency and many believe he died in 1823 during a battle with Spanish ships near the Gulf of Honduras. Buccaneer Days was constructed by the Beach Association and was envisioned as pirates capturing the city for three days of fun. Parades, bathing suit revues, and revelry were the central activities for the event. Prominent area men would grow out their beards to mimic the pirate fashion to join in the fun. Another historical figure that the event used as symbolism of the area’s past is Alonso Álvarez de Pineda. Álvarez de Pineda was a Spanish explorer who was credited with naming the Corpus Christi Bay in 1519. The Spanish explorer’s likeness was used as a Grand Marshall for the event which kicked off with a parade down water street.

Throughout the years many events have been added or edited to create a unique event, from boat races and swimming and diving competitions to fishing tournaments and a barbecue cook-off. In 1947 the parade switched to a nighttime event and the first illuminated night parade was held. This has become the signature event for the celebration. Another key addition in 1947 was the formation of the Bucaraders organization. This organization became the official organizers and parade officials for the Buc Days Commission. In 1949 the Buc Days carnival began and has become a staple especially for the children. The dates for the celebration also shifted in 1949 to the early May/Late April time that is still used today. In 1954 at the request of the Civitan Club the Las Doñas de la Corte began a coronation pageant that was modeled after the royal court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Again, homage to Alonso Álvarez de Pineda was given by naming the King after him. This event was created to promote the Buccaneer Days festivities throughout the state as well as garner sponsorship opportunities. In 1961 a junior parade was added for the younger participants that centralized several smaller parades. To expand the scope and enliven the festival the Buc Days Pro Rodeo began in 1992. In 1996 the Buc Days Commission began awarding college scholarships to the Pirate Kings and Queens.

The festival is held every year for 10 days in late April and early May in Corpus Christi Texas. Over 100,000 people attend the various components of the festival. The central events are parades, carnivals, pageants, concerts, and the rodeo. The Bucaraders still aid in running the parade as well as other events throughout the year. The Buccaneer Commission seeks to help the community through educational and cultural events as well as entertainment. They seek to contribute to the community through charity and scholarships through the tradition of Buccaneer Days.