Annual Columbus Day Parade brings largest celebration of Italian-American heritage

More than 1 million onlookers are estimated to witness the nation’s largest celebration of Italian-American heritage on Monday during the 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan.

At least 35,000 people, representing over 100 different groups, will march the streets of New York City up Fifth Avenue and from 42nd Street to 72nd Street amid a sea of Italian-American pride, including flags, signs, and Maseratis carrying the parade’s honorees and grand marshal, according to a report.

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Italian Americans, including musicians, doctors, soldiers, teachers, scientists, athletes, and lawyers, will be honored in New York City and across the nation for the mark they have left on the United States.

“Christopher Columbus was the first Italian to set foot in the Americas and, in doing so, he discovered the new world and changed the course of history,” Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) posted to X, formerly Twitter.

“Now, on Columbus Day, we recognize his contributions and those of all Italian Americans. Happy Columbus Day.”

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) shared similar praises.

“On Columbus Day we celebrate the many contributions Italian Americans have made throughout our country’s history,” he posted. “I’m grateful to have so many Italian American constituents in New York’s 17th District. Happy Columbus Day!”

Columbus Day has a rich tradition in the United States going back to 1792, when the initial celebration took place, but many consider the holiday’s connection to Italian-American heritage to have begun in 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison declared a one-time Columbus Day celebration to honor and mourn the lynching of 11 Italian immigrants in New Orleans.

Today, Columbus Day represents a day on which Italian Americans can honor their ancestors for traveling to the New World and succeeding on their own merit and, often, with little assistance.

“As an Italian-American, this holiday means so much to me,” New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino said in a statement posted to X. “Today we celebrate the contributions of Italians to this great nation. May we continue to honor the rich culture and traditions of our Italian-American community.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams also shared a message thanking Italian Americans for what they have done for the city.

“The Italian-American community has made its mark on our city,” Adams said. “You can see it from Little Italy to the Verrazzano bridge to LaGuardia Airport, and you can taste it in the New York slice, pasta, and cannoli.”

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“New York is the city it is today because your ancestors helped to build it, and you are the small business owners, first responders, and workers who keep our city moving. New York is your city. It is a place where every New Yorker, no matter where they came from, can live the American dream.”

From 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the 2023 Columbus Day Parade features 18 floats, 20 marching bands, and dozens of performances, the report noted.