By Liliana Rocio Senior Editor,  44st  &  5^th Ave NYC  Oct 9^th 2023

The 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade returns to Fifth Avenue in New York City on Monday, October 9, 2023.

On Friday President of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, Angelo Vivolo, was joined by representatives from New York City’s largest Italian-American organizations for a brief preview of the event.

Each year, several hundred thousand people are joined by millions of viewers around the world to enjoy this display of Italian-American tradition.

The parade begins on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street and continues north along Fifth Avenue to 72nd Street.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Beth Paretta, CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport. Paretta is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to supporting young women through educational initiatives.

Fellow honorees will be long-standing CCF Member Don DeCarlo, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Retired Justice Janet DiFiore, and Father Zach Presutti, founder of Thrive for Life, an organization devoted to assisting behind and beyond prison walls.

On Oct. 9, millions will gather in Manhattan to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture. The event will take from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The day of the parade begins with a Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, presided by Cardinal Dolan.

This year’s parade is expected to bring out over 1 million spectators and 35,000 participants. Those who attend the parade will see several performances, floats, marching bands and so much more.

The main and most significant event in NYC’s Columbus Day celebrations is definitely the huge colorful parade that is held along the 5th Avenue.

About 100 groups of 35,000 artists perform in various fields and styles, take part in the parade.

The music that is played by various bands, various performances over floats attract about million spectators while many more millions watch the colorful procession on the television.

The Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 72nd Street with red carpet performances on Fifth Avenue between 67th and 69th Streets.

Columbus Day in New York is an annual celebration that takes place in October. A large parade in honor of Christopher Columbus floats down Fifth Avenue and gathers mostly Italian Americans embracing their own roots.

In New York City, the holiday is celebrated both as Italian American Heritage Day and as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Since 1929, a parade has been held in New York with more than 35,000 participants and more than 1 million spectators with bands and floats. The parade starts from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and continues along Fifth Avenue to 79th Street. The parade starts around 11:30 am in the morning and ends around 3:00 pm.

The Columbus Citizens Foundation’s most visible philanthropic focus is scholarships for deserving students who may not have the opportunity to realize their dreams of success.

To date, the Foundation has awarded over $36 million in scholarship funding to deserving students since the program’s inception.

The L.t. Det. Joseph Petrosino, Columbus day breakfast took place at a nearby restaurant, close 100 people were in attendance a very intimate gathering. The L.t. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America’s President Robert (Bob) Fonti, made opening remarks and welcomed guests in attendance.

The Following were honored: Todd Shapiro, Founder and CEO of todd shapiro associates, a well-respected PR Firm here in NYC, Council Member Anthony Manetta, New York State Senator, Joseph Addabbo, Thomas Lupo , Ernest Magliato and John Catsimatidis Billionaire businessman received the highest medal from the prestigious organization.

We like to congratulate Todd Shapiro, a dear friend throughout many years, who has invited us to so many wonderful events throughout the years, he has been doing PR throughout many years. Truly one of the nicest people you can meet. Congratulations again, a well-deserved honor.

Many Dignitaries were in attendance at the parade; New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams,  New York State Comptroller  Thomas Di Napoli , Assembly Member David Weprin, Many Council members, and many world renowned business people and entertainers.

Columbus Citizens Foundation: a non-profit organization in New York City, fosters appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement.

Through philanthropic and cultural activities, the Foundation provides opportunities for deserving Italian-American students through scholarships and grants.

Since 1929, the Foundation’s most public activity is organizing New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade – the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement in the world.

Columbus Celebration Weekend includes CCF’s Annual Gala Dinner, the wreath laying at Columbus Circle, the Columbus Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue.

See More about Columbus day parade 2023, in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels by clicking here.