The Bronx’s Little Italy celebrates Columbus Day as NYC mayor skips Manhattan parade
Celebrations of Italian American heritage are going on all over the tri-state area. But one person was not at the Columbus Day parade in Manhattan - Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
More Stories
Arancini, cannolis and sauce are just a few Italian delicacies that are favorites for many, but they represent more for Italian-Americans.
“Just their tradition and everything,” Bronx resident Vinny Macchia said.
“All the food and all the traditions, I still try to carry them every Sunday,” Christine Semenza said.
Those traditions were on display along Arthur Avenue in the Bronx to mark Columbus Day and Italian American Heritage Month, with musical performances and festivities.
On a different avenue in Manhattan, crowds lined Fifth Avenue for the Columbus Day parade to take in marching bands, groups and floats. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman attended.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not, breaking with the practice of many previous mayors who have marched in it.
“Good, we didn’t want him there,” Arthur Avenue visitor Steve Deflippis said.
“Well listen, everyone has their opinions and the right to do whatever they like,” John Messina said.
The mayor’s office says it plans to host an Italian American Heritage reception at Gracie Mansion in the coming weeks.
And in a social media video posted on Saturday, Mamdani said in part, “Italian American history is New York City history. Their stories are not simply worth telling, they’re worth celebrating, all these years later. Happy Italian American Heritage Month, New York.”
The mayor's office confirms Mayor Mamdani has marched in at least 13 other city parades, including the St. Patrick's Day, Pride and West Indian American Day parades.
