Italians Celebrate Fashion and Culture on Columbus Day on 5th Avenue

Let’s Get This Party Started

The trifecta of parade weekend culminated in the largest celebration of Italian culture in the world right on 5th Avenue. The picture perfect day saw nearly a million people lined up on the parade route anxiously awaiting the start of the parade. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, parade organizers, the Columbus Citizens Foundation pulled out all the stops to make this a first class event. This year Grand Marshall Massimo Ferragamo was honored for his contribution to high fashion. Local news anchor Rosanna Scotto was an honoree of the amazing event. As usual, the mounted police signal the start of the parade.

Grand Marshall Massimo Ferragamo

Tribute to Columbus

Baton Twirlers from Italy

Honorary lead marching band was Northern University playing some Italian theme tunes to get the crowd ready for a festive day of everything Italian. Sacred Heart University was right behind them. A parade of Maserati’s with the Grand Marshall and Honorees was well received. Italians have always been a religious people and home to the Vatican and where early Christianity thrived. Controversy did not escape this years parade as NY Mayor diBlasio called for more female statues to be erected throughout the city and omitted the beloved Mother Cabrini, even though she captured the most votes. Under immense pressure from the Italian community and Catholic Church to reconsider his decision, the mayor promised to rethink it….good idea.

Marching Bands Ruled the Day

Mother Cabrini Makes Her Appearance

Trumpet Band from Bergamo

Revelers were given a special treat when two Italian bands struck up some nice tunes. A coastal town from Castellammare di stabia sent a band that got the crowd thinking about home. Blowing the horns off in magnificent fashion were a band from Bergamo, Italy. They put a whole new meaning to fast tempo as it was a challenge to keep up with their fast pace. A variety of High School marching bands kept the high energy going. Perennial favorite Connetquot HS Marching Band always puts on a great show. Matching their intensity was the W. Tresper Clarke Marching Band. One band of note from East Meadow had a sharp drumline. All in all is was a grand celebration of Italian culture and contribution. Like my Italian friends say…there’s only two kinda people…Italians and those that want to be Italians.