1 million people expected at Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – The world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture and heritage will be held in New York City on Monday.

The Columbus Day Parade, in its 80th year, will kick off at 11:30 a.m. along 5th Avenue. More than 20 marching bands and 18 floats, totaling to around 35,000 participants, are anticipated.

One million spectators are expected to attend. Spectators can expect to see the Carretto Siciliano, a lavishly decorated and colorful horse-drawn cart, symbolic of the folklore of Sicily.

There will also be performances from Natalie Pinto, Chris Ruggiero, Jessa Salerno, Vittorio DiCarlo and Amici.

The Columbus Citizens F oundation organizes the parade to celebrate Italian-American culture and heritage, as well as the accomplishments of the Italian people.

Security is high at the parade, as the NYPD will monitor the crowds from the ground and the air.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018 . She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here .

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