NEW YORK – GNUSA – [Photos by GANP/ Dimitrios Panagos]
Fifth Avenue was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Italian American heritage on October 12 as thousands gathered for the 82nd Annual National Columbus Day Parade, one of New York City’s most enduring cultural traditions.
The day began with a solemn Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, while Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Chair of the Columbus Day Mass, joined in the observance.
Following the service, marching bands, colorful floats, over 100 community organizations, elected officials, and performers filled the iconic avenue, drawing enthusiastic crowds along the parade route stretching from 47th Street to 72nd Street.
Organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF), under the march theme “Two Flags, One Home: Celebrating 250 Years of Italian Contribution to America”, this year’s parade honored generations of Italian Americans whose achievements have helped shape the nation’s history, culture, economy, and public life.
The 2026 Parade Grand Marshal, billionaire investor and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio, was represented by his son, Matt Dalio, founder of Endless and CEO of Endless Studios. The Foundation also honored Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), and Dr. Evelyn C. Granieri, a geriatrician and Emerita Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
The 2025 Grand Marshal, Joe Moglia, was also in the opening of the parade. Last year’s parade was canceled due to a nor’easter.
Among those participating were New York Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the parade. City officials said he plans to host an Italian American Heritage Month reception at Gracie Mansion in the coming weeks.
The Columbus Day festivities extended beyond the parade itself. The weekend included the annual Columbus Celebration Gala at Cipriani 55 Wall Street, hosted by Maria Bartiromo, on October 10, as well as the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle on the eve of the parade.
In New York City, the October holiday is observed both as Italian American Heritage Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
In 2027, Columbus Day will be on October 11th.
