New York City’s biggest celebration of Italian American heritage is back, and this year’s edition of the Columbus Day Parade packs a mix of tradition, star power, and digital-age flair. The 82nd annual march, organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, will take over Fifth Avenue on Monday, October 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. between 47th and 72nd Streets, with broadcast coverage starting at noon. Organizers expect more than one million live spectators to witness what is billed as the world’s largest Italian American celebration.
82nd Annual Parade to feature more than 100 groups, musical performances, Italian cultural delegations and a new Influencer Lounge on Fifth Avenue.
This year’s parade lands during America’s 250th anniversary year, and the lineup is designed to highlight Italian American contributions to the nation’s history, culture, and achievements. More than 100 groups will participate, including marching bands, floats, musical acts, and official delegations from Italy and across the United States.
Ray Dalio, the founder and mentor of Bridgewater Associates, philanthropist, and bestselling author, has been named this year’s Grand Marshal. Because Dalio will not attend in person, his son Matt Dalio—founder of Endless and CEO of Endless Studios—will represent him in the procession.
Joining Matt Dalio near the front of the parade are this year’s honorees: Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto, U.S. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, and Dr. Evelyn C. Granieri, a renowned geriatrician and Emerita Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Also marching in the opening contingent will be 2025 Grand Marshal Joe Moglia, the former Chairman and CEO of TD Ameritrade and former Head Football Coach at Coastal Carolina University; Italian Consul General Giuseppe Pastorelli; Columbus Citizens Foundation President Christopher Loiacono and the Foundation’s Board of Governors; and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Among the standout participants this year is Dominick Critelli, a 105-year-old World War II veteran and saxophonist whose national anthem performance became a viral online sensation. The parade will also feature a delegation representing Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, Italian soccer legend Roberto Baggio, traditional Italian flag throwers, and Il Risveglio degli Dei, a Sicilian theater group appearing in costume. La Stampa, one of Italy’s most prominent newspapers, will march in the parade as it launches its U.S. presence. To mark America’s 250th anniversary, the Knights of Columbus will bring 250 knights to participate.
Spectators can expect marching units from the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, and other public service organizations, along with the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band, Italian police and firefighter delegations, school marching bands, cultural associations, and university groups. Vehicle contingents will include the Vespa Club of New York, La Famiglia Cadillac Club, and Todd & Ozzy—featuring a dog riding on a Vespa.
Red-Carpet Performances and Featured Floats
Float and red-carpet performances will showcase two acts from America’s Got Talent: Salvatore Romania, known as “Struckboy Sal,” a breakdancer and former Columbus Citizens Foundation scholarship recipient, and Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, whose viral Golden Buzzer audition captivated audiences. Valentinetti will perform tracks from his upcoming album on Keep Good Company Records. A delegation from Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano, the renowned children’s choir featured in Italy’s Zecchino d’Oro song competition, will travel to the United States for the first time ever and perform alongside Simona Rodano. Additional performers include the Jessa V. Band, Luciano Lamonarca, Alissa Salvatore, Vanessa Racci, James Valenti, Amici Band, and Lisa Messina with Angelo Venuto.
Filippo Berio is the Foundation’s presenting sponsor. Longtime supporters Gabelli Funds and Casa Building return as sponsors, joined by new sponsors Italian Owned Businesses of NJ and Invest in Education.
New Influencer Lounge
A first for the parade, an Influencer Lounge north of the red-carpet stage will bring together television personalities, comedians, and digital creators to celebrate Italian American culture. Featured guests include host Paul Costabile, singer Sal Valentinetti, comedian Tara Cannistraci, and Sicilian cooking sensations Roe and Pina Sparacio. The creators will also be available for media interviews.
The parade is the centerpiece of Columbus Celebration Weekend, October 9–12, which includes the Foundation’s black-tie Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on Saturday, October 10, and a Wreath-Laying Ceremony honoring first responders and public servants on Sunday, October 11.
At the heart of the celebration is the Columbus Citizens Foundation’s mission to expand educational opportunities for deserving Italian American students. Since the inception of its scholarship program, the Foundation has awarded approximately $45 million in scholarships, helping students pursue their educational goals while preserving a connection to their roots.
EVENT: 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade
WHEN: Monday, October 12, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET
WHERE: Fifth Avenue, from 47th to 72nd Streets, New York City
ABOUT COLUMBUS CITIZENS FOUNDATION
Columbus Citizens Foundation is New York City’s leading Italian American nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of Italian American heritage and achievement. Through a broad range of philanthropic and cultural activities, the Foundation provides opportunities for advancement to deserving Italian American students through its scholarship and grant programs. The Foundation organizes New York City’s annual Columbus Celebration and Columbus Day Parade, which has celebrated Italian American heritage on Fifth Avenue since 1929.
MEDIA CONTACT
Taylor Taglianetti | Impact Marketing Manager
Columbus Citizens Foundation
ttaglianetti@columbuscitizens.org
Why it matters: With over $45 million in scholarships awarded to date, the parade is not just a cultural spectacle but a fundraising engine for Italian American education. This year’s addition of a dedicated influencer lounge signals that the Foundation is adapting its century-old tradition to engage younger, digitally native audiences.
