Ye Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita was founded in February, 2002, and in May, 2003, it became Clearwater 's official Krewe for representing the City in local parades. The Krewe has over 250 members and unlike many other Tampa Bay area krewe's, membership in YMKSM is also open to women and children.

Membership costs from $350 to $1,100 for single, family and corporate members and is open to everyone. Krewe members must also purchase costumes which are required to be worn for all festivities. The Krewe takes its name from La Santa Margarita, a Spanish galleon that sank off the coast of Florida in the 17th century. Krewe members dress as Spanish royalty and mariners, just as the original crew and passengers did on September 4th, 1622 , when they set off from Havana , Cuba , on their ill-fated voyage to Spain . Two days later the fleet was ravaged by a hurricane and 8 ships were lost off the Florida Keys .

At parades, the Krewe rides in a 45-foot-long, 10 ton, Spanish galleon on wheels. Painted blue waves lap along the bottom of the three-masted galleon as she slowly makes her way down the parade route. Many Krewe members prefer to walk the parade route so that they can interact with the parade viewers as they pass out the Krewe’s signature gold medallion beads.

Ye Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita is a civic minded organization that is committed to the entertainment of the citizens of Clearwater and Tampa Bay through parades, festivals and charitable works. Through Ye Mystic Krewe of the Santa Margarita Foundation, Inc. our goal is to ultimately fund as many as three local charities and to establish an endowment fund that will allow our giving to continue well into the future. Currently we are committed to the charitable support of the Clearwater Free Clinic.