Columbus Day Parade brings Italian pride to 5th Avenue

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — The 80th annual Columbus Day Parade brought Italian pride to 5th Avenue Monday.

With the Tricolore of green, white, and red flags flapping along the Avenue float after float brought traditional Italian instruments and costumes, along with more modern celebrations– including a Vespa biker gag and numerous NYC civil service workers marching.

“It’s neat to see so many Italian Americans here,” said one woman visiting from Arizona.”

Those who came and participated in the parade say this is about family, and spending time together. Organizers said the turnout this year is the best they’ve seen for some time.

“People are so happy to be out of the pandemic, and with each other, and of course with this being an election year, everyone knows the politicians are out, so you get the full New York show,” said Marian Pardo with the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

Mayor Eric Adams was among the many elected officials marching. He was asked about criticism of the parade because of its namesake Christopher Columbus

“There’s nothing you’re going to do in the city that you’re not going to find someone that is going to say I wish you do not do it,” Adams said. “This is a very rich heritage, from public safety to teaching, the largest number of Italian-Americans are in New York City.”

The parade wrapped up around 3:30 in the afternoon.

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