Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago

What Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago does

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago is a chartered civic and social nonprofit organization founded in Tampa, Florida in 1972, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Tampa's Latin heritage. It operates as an invitation-only fraternity of 250 professional men from the Tampa Bay area, who are formally inducted through a knighthood ceremony and serve under an annually elected Royal Court led by a Rey (King), Reina (Queen), and Barón. The organization is the only chartered Order of Saint James in the United States, modeled on the Cofradia de Caballeros de la Orden Real de Sant' Yago in Spain, and was founded by Tampa civic leaders including Dr. Henry J. Fernandez, Cesar Gonzmart, Joe C. Granda, Joseph R. Lopez, and Daniel F. Martinez.

Its core "products" are a portfolio of cultural and social events rather than technology. The flagship is the annual Illuminated Knight Parade, held every February on Seventh Avenue in Ybor City since 1974 and described as the largest illuminated night parade in the Southeast US, drawing thousands of spectators and participation from over 100 organizations. Supporting events include the Coronation Ball at the Tampa Convention Center, the Debutante Ball, the KSY Education Foundation Gala (which funds Latino student scholarships at USF, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College), the Knight Bowl, Golf Tournament, Ethnic Heritage Party, Christmas Party, Krewe Shoot sporting clays event, and Flotilla boat event.

The organization is not a technology company; its core technology stack is explicitly "not applicable." Revenue is generated through four streams: membership dues from the 250 individual members (subscription/recurring), one-time event ticket and registration fees (e.g., $30 parade bleacher seating, $25 Night Before Party, $150 Flotilla), corporate sponsorships from local businesses such as Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, Circle K, City of Tampa, Pin Chasers, Buccaneer Beads, J&J Ext Holding, and Stepp's Towing, and donations to the KSY Education Foundation. Headquarters are at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors with two Administrative Directors, Lexi Harvey and Nanette Harvey, handling operations. No venture capital, private equity, or external investment is present.

Name

Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago

Legal name

Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago

Website

https://krewesantyago.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago is a 1972-chartered Tampa nonprofit civic organization of 250 professional men preserving Latin heritage through the annual Illuminated Knight Parade, Coronation Ball, Debutante Ball, and Education Foundation Gala funding Latino student scholarships at three local universities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Civic and Cultural Events Organization

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cultural & Community Festivals (Ticketed) (THAJAFAI), Community Fundraisers & Charity Events (Gala/Walks excluded) (MPAGAEAK)

Keywords

• Civic social organization
• Cultural heritage events
• Mardi gras parade
• Community krewe
• Latin heritage traditions

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The Krewe is composed of 250 professional men from the Tampa Bay area who pay membership dues. The organization maintains limited membership to preserve closeness and brotherhood.
2. Event Tickets and Registrations: Revenue generated from ticket sales for events including the Knight Parade bleacher seats ($30), Knight Bowl, Night Before Party ($25 per person), Flotilla ($150 per person), and Krewe Shoot sporting clays event.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Local businesses sponsor the annual Knight Parade and other events. Notable sponsors include Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, Circle K, City of Tampa, Pin Chasers, Buccaneer Beads, J&J Ext Holding, and Stepp's Towing.
4. Education Foundation Donations: The KSY Education Foundation Gala generates revenue donated to scholarships for Latino students at USF, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago is a chartered civic and social membership organization that produces an annual portfolio of cultural events celebrating Tampa's Latin heritage. Its central offerings are the Illuminated Knight Parade (the largest illuminated night parade in the Southeast US, held each February on 7th Avenue in Ybor City), the Coronation Ball, the Debutante Ball, and the KSY Education Foundation Gala, supplemented by member-only social events. The organization sells event tickets to the public and sustains its activities through membership dues from 250 professional men and corporate event sponsorships.

Product overview

The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago is a social/cultural organization (a civic Krewe/fraternity) rather than a technology company. It offers a portfolio of cultural and social event products centered around preserving Tampa's Latin heritage. Core offerings include the Illuminated Knight Parade (the largest illuminated night parade in the Southeast US since 1974), the Coronation and Grand Ball (the Krewe's largest annual event), the Debutante Ball (a formal society presentation), the KSY Education Foundation Gala (scholarship fundraising), and various social events including Knight Bowl, Golf Tournament, Ethnic Heritage Party, and Christmas Party. The organization has approximately 250 members and operates from Centro Asturiano de Tampa as headquarters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Illuminated Knight Parade The annual Illuminated Knight Parade is the largest illuminated night parade in the Southeast US, celebrating Tampa civic pride since 1974. Every February, costumed participants, illuminated floats, marching bands, and special guests parade through Ybor City's 7th Avenue, drawing thousands of spectators and families along the route.
• Coronation and Grand Ball The annual Coronation marks the reign of a new Rey (King) accompanied by his Reina (Queen) and their Royal Court. El Rey knights the men who have earned their place among the Knights of Sant' Yago at this formal investiture ceremony, held at the Tampa Convention Center.
• Debutante Ball A formal black-tie ball that includes the presentation of debutantes, celebrating the introduction of young women into society and highlighting the bond between a young woman and her family. La Reina of the Krewe is selected from debutantes at this event.
• KSY Education Foundation Gala An annual fundraising gala that generates revenue donated as scholarships to benefit Latino students at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College.
• Knight Bowl A bowling tournament held prior to the Annual Knight Parade at Pin Chasers Bowling Alley (4847 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa), bringing together members of different Krewes for food, drink, and bowling with proceeds benefiting the KSY Education Foundation.
• KSY Golf Tournament An annual golf tournament held at Carrollwood Country Club, featuring a day of golf with sponsors, food, and drink, with proceeds supporting the Krewe's activities.
• Flotilla A members-only Flotilla event held at the Tampa Convention Center Docks from 9am to 12pm, priced at $150 per person, open to KSY Members and Male Guests.
• Night Before the Knight Parade Party The official Knight Parade Pre-Party held at Carmine's in Ybor City on February 12 from 7-11pm, with live music, food served 7-8:30pm, and a cash bar open all night, at $25 per person.
• Ethnic Heritage Party The annual Krewe of Sant' Yago Ethnic Heritage Party celebrating the unique heritage of the Krewe and Tampa city, bringing together members to honor cultural traditions.
• Christmas Party A members-only holiday gathering at Centro Asturiano Grand Ballroom where Krewe members and family come together to celebrate the holiday season.

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of South FloridacoreOthers · 12 September 2026One of three universities receiving scholarship donations from the KSY Education Foundation Gala. Latino students at USF benefit from funds raised at annual Krewe events.
• University of TampacoreOthers · 12 September 2026One of three universities receiving scholarship donations from the KSY Education Foundation Gala. Latino students at University of Tampa benefit from funds raised at annual Krewe events.
• Hillsborough Community CollegecoreOthers · 12 September 2026One of three institutions receiving scholarship donations from the KSY Education Foundation Gala. Latino students at Hillsborough Community College benefit from funds raised at annual Krewe events.
• Seminole Hard Rock TampacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Official sponsor of the Sant' Yago Knight Parade. One of Tampa Bay's premier hotel, gaming, and entertainment destinations providing elevated hospitality for parade events.
• Circle K StorescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Official sponsor of the Sant' Yago Knight Parade. Strong presence across Florida with commitment to convenience, connection, and community supporting Tampa Bay events.
• City of TampacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Official sponsor and champion of arts, culture, and community celebrations. Plays vital role in supporting events that honor Tampa's Latin heritage and civic traditions.
• Buccaneer BeadsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Sponsor of the Illuminated Knight Parade providing beads and throws for the parade tradition.
• J&J Ext HoldingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Corporate sponsor of the 2026 Knight Parade.
• Stepp's TowingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2026Corporate sponsor of the 2026 Knight Parade.
• Pin ChaserscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 February 2026Event venue sponsor for Knight Parade pre-party and Knight Bowl bowling tournament at 4847 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. Supports annual Krewe events with proceeds benefiting KSY Education Foundation.
• Carmine's Ybor CityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 February 2026Venue host for the Night Before the Knight Parade Party on February 13th from 7-11pm. Provides live music, food service, and cash bar for the official Knight Parade Pre-Party.
• Arturo Fuente Cigars / Carlos Fuente Jr.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Carlos 'Carlito' Fuente Jr., chairman and visionary of Arturo Fuente Cigars, serves as 2026 Grand Marshal. Tampa native who grew up in Ybor City and third-generation cigar maker, representing the deep Latin heritage the Krewe honors.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Krewe of Endymion: One of the largest New Orleans super-krewes, known for its massive annual parade and Endymion Extravaganza. Comparable in scale of parade operation, ball production, and corporate sponsorship model.
• Knights of Peter Claver: A historically Black Catholic fraternal organization with local councils, ceremonial ranks, and charitable programming. Comparable as a Catholic-heritage fraternal body organized around ceremonial titles and community service.
• Krewe of Iris: A New Orleans women's krewe that operates an annual parade and ball with corporate sponsorship. Comparable parade-and-ball production model, though differentiated as a women's organization.
• Krewe of Bacchus: A major New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe that organizes a large annual parade and bal masque with corporate sponsorship tiers. Directly comparable as a membership-driven civic krewe producing signature parades and ticketed balls.
• Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla: Tampa's other flagship civic krewe, best known for producing the annual Gasparilla Parade. Operates in the same Tampa Bay civic/parade ecosystem with a comparable membership, parade, and ball structure, making it the closest direct competitor for sponsors, members, and civic attention.
• Krewe of Thoth: A New Orleans-area krewe that produces an annual parade and ball with charity as a central mission. Comparable membership/parade/ball structure with a parallel charitable focus.

Broad incumbents

• Knights of Columbus: A national Catholic fraternal service organization with local councils, ceremonial ranks, charitable fundraising, and insurance/membership revenue. Broader and larger incumbent in the same fraternal/civic space, but operates at scale beyond a single local krewe.

Others

• Centro Asturiano de Tampa: Historic Tampa Hispanic heritage society and club where KSY is headquartered. Functions as a peer community institution preserving Ybor City's Latin heritage, and as KSY's primary venue partner for balls and member events.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/krewesantyago
• Xx.com/krewesantyago
• Facebookfacebook.com/knightsofsantyago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/krewe-of-the-knights-of-sant-yago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago