PHOTOS: Revelers celebrate Italian heritage at NYC Columbus Day Parade

Marchers depict traditional Sardinian Mamuthones from ancient carnivals
Marchers depict traditional Sardinian Mamuthones from ancient carnivals. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The 80th annual Columbus Day Parade celebrated the culture and accomplishments of Italian Americans along Fifth Avenue on Monday.

Some 35,000 people were marching in the parade, not to mention the estimated 1 million spectators expected to watch along the parade route between 47th and 72nd streets.

The parade marked the 500th anniversary of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano's arrival in New York in 1524. He was the first European to enter New York Harbor.

Among the officials on hand were Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. The parade is put on by the Columbus Citizens Foundation and is the largest of its kind in the world.

NYPD officers on horseback pass Rockefeller Center
NYPD officers on horseback pass Rockefeller Center. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
There were some 35,000 participants in the parade itself
There were some 35,000 participants in the parade itself. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
Spectators watch along Fifth Avenue
Spectators watch along Fifth Avenue. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
An ornate outfit at the parade
An ornate outfit at the parade. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
A man tosses his hat into the air at the parade
A man tosses his hat into the air at the parade. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
A mime along the parade route
A mime along the parade route. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
A marcher poses for a photo along the parade route
A marcher poses for a photo along the parade route. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
Elaborately costumed marchers along the parade
Elaborately costumed marchers along the parade. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
Bagpipers take part in the parade
Bagpipers take part in the parade. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
Parade participants ride Vespas and wave Italian flags
Parade participants ride Vespas and wave Italian flags. Photo credit Mindy Hoffman
Featured Image Photo Credit: Mindy Hoffman