Columbus Day Parade 2026 in NYC takes over Midtown Manhattan

Thousands lined Fifth Avenue in New York City for the annual Columbus Day Parade on Monday.

Parade officials say it is the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture, with more than 100 groups participating and more than 1 million viewers.   

The parade celebrated the contributions of Italian Americans to the nation's history, culture and achievements with marching bands, floats, musical performances and ambassadors, organizers said. 

The parade ran from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. between 47th and 72nd streets. 

It was a vibrant sea of red, white and green as spectators from near and far cheered on their culture, while floats and marching bands filled with pride went by. 

The grand marshal for the 82nd annual parade was Ray Dalio, the founder and mentor of Bridgewater Associates, a philanthropist and author. His son is representing him in the festivities, along with Leandro Rizzuto, a U.S. ambassador, and Evelyn Graniere, a doctor and Columbia professor.  

The 2025 grand marshal, Joe Moglia, was also in the opening of the parade along with other honorees. Last year's parade was canceled due to a nor'easter that brought high winds and heavy rain to the city. 

Spectators watched marching units from the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY and other public service organizations. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also participated, along with her Republican challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Attorney General Letitia James and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli were also present. 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not attend the parade, despite the longtime tradition of past mayors. A spokesperson said he will host an Italian-American heritage reception at Gracie Mansion in the coming weeks.

"Happy Indigenous People's Day to the Indigenous New Yorkers who continue to shape our city, sustain ancestral traditions and carry forward generations of resilience," Mamdani posted on social media. 

Other participants included sports coaches, players, school marching bands, university groups, singers and dancers. There was even a dog riding on a Vespa.

 "I'm Italian-American. I'm proud of my heritage, and I've always wanted to be here," one woman said.  

"This country wouldn't be the country it is if it weren't for Italian Americans," another attendee said. 

The annual Columbus Day Mass was held before the parade at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

There were numerous street closures that impacting residents and visitors in Manhattan.

Formation:

• East 43rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 44th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• East 45th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• East 46th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
• East 47th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue

Route:

• 5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 42nd Street

Dispersal:

• 5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 79th Street
• East 72nd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• East 73rd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• East 74th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• East 75th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• East 76th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• East 77th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• East 78th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

Miscellaneous:

• East 51st Street between 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
• East 58th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
• East 60th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 62nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 63rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 64th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 68th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 69th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
• East 70th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
• Madison Avenue between East 76th Street and East 68th Street

Broadway between Liberty Street and Battery Place was also closed.