New York Columbus Day Parade 2018. Celebrating Italian-American Heritage

On Monday, October 8, the 74th Annual Columbus Day Parade will be held in New York City. The Parade celebrates Italian-American heritage, culture and achievements and expects over one million live spectators. Grand Marshal Guy Chiarello, President of First Data, will lead the Parade.  

The Parade will run north up Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 72nd Streets from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Our 2018 Honorees Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D., President of the Italian Language Foundation, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Spokesperson for NYS Mentorship Program and Donna Rapaccioli, Ph.D., Dean of the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University will join Chiarello in leading the Celebration.

The Columbus Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the celebration of Italian heritage and the creation of opportunities for younger Italian Americans, organizes the Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

The 74th Columbus Day Parade is broadcast live on WABC-TV from 12 PM to 3 PM. ABC reporter Ken Rosato; renowned radio personality Juliet Papa and actor and radio host Joe Piscopo will host the broadcast, serving as Masters of Ceremonies for the largest Columbus Day Parade held in the United States. Viewers on Fifth Avenue and watching on WABC-TV can expect to see over 100 marching groups, 25 parade floats, 35 vehicles and over 20 marching bands.

Marian Pardo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, said of this year's event: "We hope that New Yorkers of all backgrounds will join us in celebrating the Italian-American culture and our community's many accomplishments. While celebrating our achievements, we recognize the courage and accomplishments of all the immigrant communities that make our city and our country such a wonder."

There will be a wide variety of red carpet performances including: West Point Academy's Military Band; Carnegie Hall performers Will and Anthony Nunziata; world-renowned classical tenor Alfio and "The Italian Fairy" Simona Rodano, who will provide family fun for viewers. Other confirmed acts include: Lena Prima who will delight the crowd with a performance of one her father Louis Prima's greatest hits, and the classical pop sensation Giada Valenti.  Kicking off the red carpet performances will be nine-year old Romina Perri who will sing the Italian and American national anthems.

The impact of Italy will be felt throughout the parade, as the Grand Marshal and Honorees travel up Fifth Avenue in Maserati vehicles. The Parade will also include Italian delegations from Puglia, Casperia and Milano. 

The Columbus Day Parade is the culmination of a series of events to celebrate Columbus Day including: a black-tie Gala held at the New York Hilton on Saturday, October 6 and a ceremonial wreath-laying held in conjunction with the National Council of Columbian Associations in New York on Sunday, October 7 in Columbus Circle.

EVENT: 74th Annual Columbus Day Parade 
WHEN: Monday, October 8th 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 72nd Street, New York, NY