The Annual Columbus Day Parade

On Fifth Avenue, New York City

35,000 marchers. Over 100 groups, including bands, floats and contingents. Nearly one million spectators.

On October 8, 2012, Fifth Avenue was transformed during the Columbus Day Parade, the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture. The parade was led by Grand Marshal Mario Gabelli, proud philanthropist, and Chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investors, Inc. 

The Columbus Day Parade is a fun filled Parade that gets bigger and better every year. Participants from all over the world march in our Parade with pride. The Columbus Day Parade has become a globally televised event with millions of viewers and over a half million spectators on the streets. We invite you to join us and experience this memorable day.

Our Parade Committee spent countless hours reviewing many talented Bands and entertaining acts in an effort to make this year’s Columbus Day Parade the most exciting Parade yet! Every year we invite everyone to come out and line the streets of 5th Avenue in what promises to be a fun filled day. This was a special year for us, as we invited some of the most talented performers. Elise Testone (American Idol), the Fordham Ramblers, Christopher Temporelli, as well as the cast of “Sette Mondi” were just some of the notable performers. The Parade marched up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 72nd Street with red carpet performances on Fifth Avenue between 67th and 69th Streets.

The parade celebrates the spirit of exploration and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition and the important contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States. Over a dozen high school bands, as well as virtuosi professional groups from the United States and Italy, marched up Fifth Avenue and filled the canyons of midtown with joyous, heart-pounding music. Traditional folk groups performed centuries-old dances, and cutting-edge designs were brought to the parade route in displays of the vibrant culture that is Italy today.

Past Grand Marshals

Images from Past Columbus Day Parades

Click on a thumbnail below to view the gallery.

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