Italian-American pride on full display as Columbus Day Parade marches through Manhattan
NEW YORK -- The 78th annual Columbus Day Parade marched up Fifth Avenue on Monday.
It's the nation's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage. More than 20,000 people marched from 47th to 72nd Street, led by this year's grand marshal, billionaire businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano. Hundreds of thousands turned out to watch.
As CBS2's Tony Aiello reported, 10% of New York City residents claim Italian heritage. The annual display on Columbus Day is a reflection of the pride they feel and a determination to keep alive the connection to the old country.
Middle Village resident Rosalia Campo told Aiello she does it for her children.
"I try to keep it alive the same way my family taught me -- the traditions and whatnot, the food, and the holidays always together, and the Sunday dinners, and things like that," she said.
Italy is an ancient land, but as a single unified nation, it's younger than the United States. Modern Italy is a collection of 20 regions with distinct dialects, cuisines and cultures. Each have a moment on Fifth Avenue that brings them out year after year.
"Every year here since 1980, that's when I started the job, and religiously Columbus Day Parade," said Joe Bongiorno, with the New York City Department of Correction. "It's a beautiful thing for the family, we've got our whole family here, we've got all our friends are here. Columbus Day must live on, this is why we're here."
The parade was shorter this year. The economy and COVID-related travel issues meant fewer units from Italy participated.
Peter Caputo moved from Bari, Italy to the U.S. more than 50 years ago. He says the parade rightly blends Italian and Maerican pride.
"It's important for anyone who comes to this country to embrace the American culture. Yes, it's OK to bring some of our homeland culture, but it's important to integrate into this wonderful land," Caputo said.
"They came over here, this beautiful country. America is amazing, New York is amazing. Look what you see around, you know," said Marco Liguori, a native of Italy.
"The Italian-Americans have made an input in New York City and continue to do so. There are very famous Italian-Americans that helped build this city and build this country," said Paul DiGiacomo of the Detectives Endowment Association.
Italian-Americans and New York, that's amore.
