By Amanda Moses
New York City held the largest celebration of Italian American heritage during the 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade in Midtown Manhattan on October 9th.
All along Fifth Avenue from 47th Street leading up to 79th Street thousands of New Yorkers gathered to support Italian pride. With well over 35,000 participants, the parade saw a sea of green, white and red flags, over 18 floats emanating traditional Italian music and even a barrage of vespas driving along the event route. About 20 marching bands and other performers danced and sang throughout the parade.
Elected officials like New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams attended the parade, paying their respects to religious leaders outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 51st Street and Fifth Avenue.
The parade was first celebrated in New York City in 1929, and was created by the Knights of Columbus who would lay a wreath at Columbus Circle, to commemorate Italians who immigrated to America and to show their appreciation for their culture and traditions.
Photos by Amanda Moses
