Columbus Day Parade 2024 in New York

The biggest celebration of American-Italian culture in the world, the Columbus Day Parade attracts around a million spectators and 35,000 marchers each year.

Event Highlights

The annual Columbus Day Parade in October is a vibrant celebration of Italian American culture and heritage, filling the streets of New York with festive energy. Tricolor flags wave as marching bands and elaborate floats move through the crowd. Traditional dances, authentic food, and folkloric performances captivate spectators along the parade route. Cultural celebrations, commemorative speeches, and artistic displays highlight the enduring legacy and contributions of Italians to America.

Route

The Columbus Day Parade in New York City takes place on Fifth Avenue. The Parade starts before noon at 44th Street and travels north to 72nd Street. The best viewing spots are around Central Park and near 67th Street, where live music adds to the festive atmosphere. Celebrations usually begin at 11:30 am, and the Parade wraps up around 3 pm.

Significance

Columbus Day is a U.S. federal holiday that marks the anniversary of explorer Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World on October 12, 1492. The day also honors the cultural heritage of Italian Americans, reflecting the belief that Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy. The Parade is a remarkable event that honors the roots, diversity, and unity of the Italian American community and their significant contributions to the foundation and development of America. It's one of the main highlights in NYC during the fall season.

Dates

Columbus Day has been celebrated every year in the United States since 1937. Originally celebrated on October 12, it was later moved to the second Monday in October to provide workers with a long holiday weekend. This year, the celebration will be held on October 14.